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Author Archives: Gage Products

  1. Gage Products Looks Forward to Earth Day on April 22nd

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    Our company has been committed to leaving the planet a better place, one product at a time, since 1936. We serve a wide variety of industries and aim to find the perfect, green solution for each and every one of one of them.

    At Gage Products, we are an industry leader in regards to sustainable manufacturing, solvent remanufacturing, and toll blending systems. Gage Products is ever present in the U.S., European, and Asian-Pacific automotive industries, working with the biggest and greatest companies out there. We offer our clients paint area solutions that are compatible with green technology and help to reduce manufacturing costs while working to advance company objectives.

    Automotive manufacturing isn’t the only industry Gage Products is involved in. We also work with the aerospace, textile, industrial, marine, gas & oil, government, printing & packaging, and furniture industries. We are able to provide solvent recycling programs, custom fuel blends, solutions for paint line cleaning programs and paint booth cleaners, solvent reclamation and recycling programs, solvent and waterborne purge solvents which are environmentally compliant, and our engineers even have the capabilities to do in-house research and development.

    We start with the end in mind, striving for the best methods to protect our planet and resources. In everything we do, we focus on sustainability and making the Earth a better place. Whether you’re new to going green or have been at it for years like us, we invite you to celebrate Earth Day, not just on April 22nd, but every day of the year.

    To learn more about Gage Products, we invite you to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you’re looking for the perfect, Earth friendly products for your company, we invite you to contact us to learn more about how we can help your company to go green today.

  2. Gage “Makes a Difference” with the Detroit Zoo

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    The Detroit Zoo, located just outside of the Detroit city limits, is operated by the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), a highly acclaimed non-profit organization. The Zoo is one of Michigan’s biggest attractions for area families, hosting well over 1.5 million visitors each year. Here one can explore 125 acres of naturalistic habitats featuring more than 2,000 animals representing 245 species.

    As a company dedicated to responsible resource management and the preservation of our environment through a myriad of specialty ecologically friendly solvents and custom test fuels solutions, we at Gage Products are proud to be hosting a very special event at the Detroit Zoo.

    We are happy to announce that Gage is presenting the Detroit Zoo’s inaugural Wildlife Conservation Gala on Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 7 to 11 p.m. In perfect resonance with our company philosophy, the theme for the celebration will be “Making a Difference.”  This amazing event will highlight and support the Detroit Zoo’s world-renowned wildlife conservation efforts. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and an exquisite sit-down dinner in the iconic Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, as well as a brief presentation on the Zoo’s multifaceted conservation programs. Guests will also be able to enter a raffle for chances to win some very “zoonique” prizes. (Please note that this is a 21-and-older event. Attire is black-tie optional.) All proceeds will benefit the Detroit Zoological Society’s wildlife conservation programs.

    Join us on Saturday, March 18, from 7 to 11p.m.,  and help the Zoo in its efforts to ensure the long-term survival of critically endangered amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates by attending the first ever Wildlife Conservation Gala!

    Be sure to follow us via our blog, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up as we work to ensure the diversity of life on our planet.

     

  3. Gage Looks Ahead to 2017

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    2016 was a historic year for the team at Gage Products, as we celebrated our company’s 80th anniversary, continuing to fulfill our goal of being the world’s preferred chemical product and process supplier. As the leading provider of closed-loop recycling and toll blending services for automotive and general industry paint solvents, we remain committed to quality and innovation in everything we do. While our team is extremely proud of this 80-year milestone, we’ve already begun to look ahead to what is sure to be a productive 2017.

    As a leader in green sustainability, we’re looking forward to one of our first big events in the new year: Detroit Zoo’s inaugural Wildlife Conservation Gala on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Keep an eye out for our next blog on this meaningful cause. Our continuous industrial initiatives will bring our crew to another year at the annual SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Clean Snowmobile Challenge, taking place in early March in Houghton, MI. Each year, this competition brings together college students from around the country to redesign snowmobiles in order to reduce emissions and noise. Committed to supporting clean manufacturing initiatives and promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, Gage has helped sponsor this unique, competitive event for over 15 years.

    Looking ahead toward Earth Day, National Manufacturing Day, and National Safety Month, our team has also already begun to plan other various initiatives to support both the environment and our community.

    We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers and partners for making 2016 another success and can’t wait for the exciting developments that the new year has to offer. From all of us at Gage Products, thank you and have a healthy and happy 2017!

    For the latest updates from Gage make sure to continue following our blog, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages.

  4. Gage Looks Back at 2016

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    As 2016 draws to a close and we prepare for another productive, exciting year, we at Gage Products are looking back on the past year’s many accomplishments and important blog posts. Having celebrated our 80th birthday in 2016, this was a particularly momentous time for our team.

    Blog Highlights

    Through our blog, we got the chance to share exciting news and events with our readers, some of which are highlighted below.

    Our Continual Sustainability Efforts

    To provide clients and readers with a better idea of our sustainability efforts, in our August post we highlighted our “continuous improvement” project; this effort includes facility upgrades that reduce our carbon footprint, as well as the installation of a high-efficiency furnace that improves overall plant energy efficiency. We also discussed the upgrading of our recycling system controls.

    In our May blog post, we outlined the basics of a Circular Economy, which promotes resource productivity and reduces waste. Gage Products is proud to be an early adopter of Circular Economy principles. We reclaim solvent materials from our major automobile clients and then filter what we obtain for sale in the market, significantly reducing waste and decreasing our carbon footprint.

    To mark Earth Day, we discussed our environmental management program and our dedication to sustainability initiatives. As a chemical supplier, we believe it’s particularly important for us to offer eco-friendly options. Not only do we promote sustainable product alternatives, we also focus on reducing energy and greenhouse emissions, upgrading solid waste and recycling systems, and improving wastewater treatment methods.

    Our Work in the Automotive Industry

    Because Gage Products works with many major auto companies, we attended The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which took place in January in Detroit. Our team was especially proud of our involvement here, as we acted as a sponsor of the 2016 AUTOGLOW: The 25th, which supports children’s charities through The Children’s Center. Every year, they help over 7,500 children and families deal with emotional and intellectual challenges, often stemming from poverty or abuse.

    And in March, we blogged about the exciting SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Held in Houghton, Michigan, students got the chance to present their redesigned eco-friendly snowmobiles. The redesigned vehicles reduced both emissions and noise and showcased the forward-thinking work of the next generation’s designers.

    More recently, one of the main focuses amongst the Gage Products team has been our contribution to create foreign business opportunities for the company, Michigan, U.S. and China.

    Looking Ahead

    2016 has been an exciting year here at Gage Products, and this coming year is sure to be just as productive. For more information on sustainability efforts and awareness, the automotive and manufacturing industries, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn!

    We hope everyone has a relaxing holiday season, and we’ll see you back here in 2017!

  5. Gage Lands Large Foreign Business Opportunity!

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    Since 1936 it has been our commitment to bring sustainable manufacturing to chemical related products and processes. Gage Products services industries such as heavy and general industrial, paint, aerospace, marine, government, print and package, predominantly the automotive industry, and more. Our high-performance solvent blends, custom test fuel blend, calibration fluids, paint line cleaning programs, and specialty product solutions for a wide array of paint applications make us a unique team of “go-green” contributors within the field. We offer sustainable closed-loop recycling systems and toll blending capabilities to reduce procedure budgets and upsurge effective resource management. It is clear that one of our biggest goals is a cleaner, greener environment for all.

    More recently, one of the main focuses amongst the Gage Products team has been our contribution to create foreign business opportunities for the company, Michigan, U.S. and China. And we didn’t stand alone in this undertaking. On November 19th Governor Rick Snyder and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan returned from an investment mission to China. As of recent, we are officially pleased to announce that we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Sichuan SIKEYONGHE Technologies. As stated in the MOU, we have agreed to generate a united company in Chongqing China. Production will center around automotive cleaning solvents for Chinese customers. In an interview our Chairman and President, Dan Finkiewicz, expanded on our involvement, “We have been investigating the Chinese market for the past five years. Today, the search has ended with the right partner in the right location, Chongqing.”

    Our effort, alongside a group of other companies listed below, is to “foster stronger economic partnerships between Michigan and China.” Alongside Governor Snyder, Mayor Duggan, and our new partner Sichuan SIKEYONGHE Technologies, we are excited to continue expansion with international markets and lend a hand in future prospects for both Michigan and China, and further businesses that hope to get involved.

    The governor expanded on the true opportunity at hand, “These joint ventures are great examples of how the strength of the auto industry both in Michigan and the Chongqing region can create smart business opportunities and partners. [..] Michigan is committed to economic partnership with Chongqing, not only in the auto sector but in other industries as well.”

    Other participating companies include:

    We would like to give a big congratulations to Lorin Industries on signing their MOU with Shenzhen Bond Industry Co., Ltd. on our joint trip. Both these companies will work together to complete the Chongqing Airport terminal project.

    Governor Snyder wrapped up the anticipation surrounding the MOU signings animatedly explaining that “[the] MOU signings are perfect examples of how trade missions can pay off for Michigan companies […] These Michigan businesses, with products ranging from testing systems to logistics services, will have a never-before-seen opportunity to reach new customers in the fastest-growing economy in the world.”

    As a team, we feel so blessed to have been involved with the recent trip to China, our new found business partners, and the continuation of work with local and foreign investments.

    Interested in working with Gage, or some of our products? Please contact us today! Our friendly staff is standing by.

  6. Keep Your Eye on the Manufacturing Industry Beyond National Manufacturing Day 2016!

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    National Manufacturing Day is today, October 7th! Celebrated the first Friday in October, this important day highlights common misconceptions about our industry. Manufacturing companies across the globe come together to open their doors to address topics like the skilled labor shortage and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education to connect with millennials while showing the public at large that “this isn’t your grandfather’s/father’s factory anymore!”

    With huge conversations about STEM and moving away from the image of what manufacturing once was, leaders in the field plan to ensure industry growth and prosperity in future decades. Search the phrase above on Google or Twitter and you will see how much information is out there on the new changes to the industry that you will want to be a part of.

    Yes, the industry is a changing, and manufacturing is, in fact, becoming one of the most successful careers in the U.S. Every industry needs parts, machines, gadgets and technology to make their products work. Without manufacturing other industries simply wouldn’t exist! Not to mention, the U.S. is predicted to overtake China and earn the top spot for the most competitive manufacturing nation in the world by 2020. With bringing jobs back to the U.S. and looking for a safety net for your future, and your family’s future, manufacturing truly is becoming the way to go. Even colleges are taking note and promoting STEM education programs. High school graduates that already have the interest can find niche programs that center on manufacturing entirely. And the push for women to consider a career in manufacturing is growing daily. Opening up the discussion to each new generation of middle and high school students, and the administration that guides them, is the focus we need to help the U.S. economy thrive. Today, a career in manufacturing means working with the latest technology to improve the world. This type of education will give your children the facets they need to become successful and stay on top of the fruitful future they’re so badly looking to achieve. Bottom line, manufacturing = security.

    Gage Products has been committed to effective/green manufacturing since 1936. We specialize in chemical related products and processes to service industries such as Automotive, Heavy and General Industrial, Paint, Textile, Aerospace, Marine, Gas and Oil, Government, Furniture, Print and Package with high-performance solvent blends, custom test fuel blends, calibration fluids, paint line cleaning programs, and specialty product solutions for a wide variety of paint related applications. We also have sustainable closed-loop recycling systems and toll blending capabilities to reduce process costs and increase effective resource management. Our mission is a cleaner, greener environment for the world and the future.

    We are happy to be celebrating National Manufacturing Day today and hope you are too! Please help Gage and companies across the industry in spreading the word about today’s changes in manufacturing. Taking the evidence into consideration both engineering and manufacturing are vital to all industries, your industry, your future, and the economy at large.

    Contact our friendly staff today for further inquiries you might have. We look forward to speaking with you!

    nmd-logo-oct-2016

  7. Upgrades and Improvements Enhance Our Commitment to Our Customers and the Environment

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    To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often–Winston Churchill

    We are strong believers in near-perfection and are always looking for ways to improve our business. We are currently working on a “continuous improvement” project that is adding new capabilities and making capital improvements to our plant. All of this work is designed to continue our dedication to the highest quality products and commitment to being environmental stewards.

    What’s in the works? Our on-site improvements include adding new fuel blending tanks to increase our capabilities and production. The new tanks will help us meet the growing demand for our test & reference fuels, calibration fluids, custom fuel blends, and toll manufacturing. We will be better equipped to deliver unique and innovative custom technologies with the addition of the new blending tanks.

    The improvements we are making are also improving our automotive industry part capabilities and emissions testing. The benefits will be our enhanced ability to meet the ever changing requirements of the automotive industry as they respond to changes in governmental regulations. Emissions testing will enable us to deliver fuels that meet the most up-to-date standards.

    Additionally, facility upgrades are being made to improve our carbon footprint even more. We have installed new Big Ass Fans (that’s really the company name!) which are large industrial fans that feature quiet and energy-efficient air movement. These fans cool down large spaces quickly to improve employee comfort and productivity.

    Installing an additional high-efficiency furnace also helps to improve our sustainability goals by improving the plant’s energy efficiency. New equipment in the maintenance department, building new office space for various departments, and upgrading the controls for the recycling systems complete the changes we are making in our latest round of improvements.

    A major effort of Gage’s environmental stewardship program is to “reduce the environmental impact of our manufacturing operations focusing on energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction; water use and wastewater treatment; and solid waste reduction and recycling.” This latest remanufacturing project continues our work to make environmental management a priority.

    For any questions in regards to our products or green initiatives, please contact us today!

  8. Gage Reaches a Milestone

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    Gage Products Company was founded in 1936, making this year our 80th year in business. This is quite an accomplishment for a business. Only those who consistently deliver quality products and services stay around as long.

    When we started we were on a mission—to be the world’s preferred supplier of chemical 80 Years Logorelated products and processes. We have succeeded and today we are the world’s leading provider of closed-loop recycling and toll blending processes for automotive and general industrial paint solvents. We also supply high-performance solvent blends, test fuels, calibration fluids, paint line cleaning programs, and specialty product solutions. Our solutions provide customers with innovative and unique custom technologies to meet the specific needs of their applications.

    Even though we are a chemical company, over the years we have dedicated ourselves to making a constant commitment to
    sustainability and the environment. Our sustainable business practices help reduce 80 Years Image 1our carbon footprint and environmental impact. Through the use of our solvent and application solutions, we have been instrumental in helping many industries, and especially the auto industry, reduce their environmental impact as well. Uniquely designed water or solvent borne purge solutions and recovery systems maximize efficiency and minimize waste in paint line systems and equipment cleaning. We promote sustainable product alternatives and have helped industries use products and systems that are eco-friendly and offer outstanding capabilities.

    The motto we have adopted “Vision, Quality, Commitment” wraps up our goals as a 80 Years Image 2company. We truly think about the overall picture of how our products impact industry, people, and the environment now and for the future (Vision). We stand behind all of our products and consistently deliver chemicals that exceed the expectations of our customers (Quality). With a dedication to outstanding customer service, we strive to form partnerships with our customers to supply them with the specific products for their needs (Commitment).

    We are proud and excited to be celebrating our 80th anniversary! Reaching 80 is a milestone and as a gift to ourselves and the field, we will continue to innovate and remain active with successful industry contributions as we work towards our next 80!

  9. Gage Practices Safety Year Round

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    Although June has been designated as National Safety Month by the National Safety National Safety Month 2016 chemicalsCouncil, safety is always at the forefront at Gage. The goal of safety focus in June is to reduce injuries and deaths that take place at work, at home, and on the roads. One of our biggest goals: to implement systems that deliver high-quality products, safe for both workers and the environment on a daily basis.

    Because we work with chemicals, we must regularly consider the effects of our products and take proper precaution. This means refining our products and services to develop innovative and safe solutions as we work towards environmental sustainability. As a result of our efforts, we have received many excellence in industry awards.

    At home, we take pride in working with our local fire departments. As mentioned in our July 2013 post, we continue to work with the Ferndale Fire Department on identifying hazardous materials and implementing the appropriate use of the AR-AFFF fire suppression foam. Fire safety protects firefighters and all in the community—a continuous commitment that we take to heart!

    In addition to working with the community, Gage works diligently within our own facilities to keep our employees safe. Reviews of safety procedures are performed throughout the year to raise awareness of the importance of following appropriate working practices. Machine and equipment training and safety procedures are also routinely performed. Safety at Gage is serious business. In the case of an emergency, our employees are trained in fire safety and how to deal with chemical spills and releases. They are also aware of our pollution incident prevention plan and best chemical storage practices. To us, being safe at work means understanding the proper way to use equipment and how to best handle an emergency situation.

    As mentioned, Gage takes safety seriously! It is an important issue that may be featured in June but is a part of our everyday practice 24/7/365. For maximum efficiency and minimal waste, choose products you can trust. Safety starts with Gage solvents, fuels, and solutions.

  10. Gage Products Company Leads the Adoption of the Circular Economy Concept

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    Over the last century, it has been found that the consumption of raw materials grew at a rate that was twice the increase in the global population.Gage's Circular Economy Image 1

    Ponder this for a moment and you will see that a bleak scenario emerges.

    The manufacturers of today do not have a system in place to recycle the ‘waste’ that is generated by buyers as they dispose of what doesn’t work and upgrade technology, like smart devices and kitchen appliances, at will.

    All in all, we are eating into the resources available to us much faster than we can replenish their reserves. Eventually, a time will come when this unsustainable mode of operation will collapse, pushing the economy into a slump that may take a lot longer than the past recessions to recover.

    The G7 Summit & The Concept of Circular Economy:

    The G7 is pre-emptive action. It deals with economic emergencies. The G7 countries of U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.K. have unanimously agreed that the problem of manufacturing waste is no longer confined to negatively impacting the environment. Yes, the landfills, overflowing with materials that can’t biodegrade and thus leach toxic elements into the ground, are a cause for concern. But more than this desecration of nature and the threat of pollution is the imminent concern around dwindling supplies. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is no longer a high school mantra. It is the only approach that can help the global economy and marketplace stay functional.

    The living world has a cyclical operating system. The waste of one species becomes the nutrients of another, and ultimately every single organism is returned to the soil nourishing trees which go on to feed countless others. There is no danger of over exploiting what is available. This cyclic model, in fact, contributes to growth.

    The G7 countries are vocal supporters of the Circular Economy – an economy in which buyers become renters. It starts with manufacturers educating potential clients about the pitfalls of the use and dispose linear model of consumption. When a piece of equipment serves its purpose, it is sent back to the brand that created it. There might be incentives like credit points built around the willingness to participate in this return. Johnson Controls, as a company, has succeeded in this regard since 99% of its car batteries are given back by its patrons.

    The next shift is more intrinsic and involves choosing and using components in manufacturing that retain their basic properties even if the item they are a part of is dismantled. Thus, screws and nuts go on to serve other products that are being churned out by the brand, biodegradables like cardboard find their way back into nature and parts that are not of use to the parent company are sold to other industries via the Materials Marketplace Database.

    The Benefits of a Circular Economy and Gage’s Role in It:

    A Circular Economy is an elegant and efficient solution:

    – The buyers participate in recycling and by doing their part in reducing the money spent by manufacturers on raw material they help drive down the cost of the new goods they purchase.
    – Manufacturers not only recover a portion of the feed that goes into crafting each product for re-utilization, but they also sell what they can’t use to others who benefit from the scraps.
    – Nature and the planet are the biggest winners. Strategic reuse curbs greenhouse gas emissions and the vast load on limited resources is lightened.

    Gage Products Company is a visionary company that stays one step ahead of our peers. We are one of the few conscious suppliers who make an effort to embrace the principles of a Circular Economy. We reclaim solvent materials from the automobile giants we serve and filter what we obtain for sale in the market, reducing our waste and consumption footprint substantially. In need of our products or interested in contributing to a Circular Economy? Contact us today.