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Gage’s Fuels Capabilities
July 21, 2014 9:56 am Comments Off on Gage’s Fuels Capabilities
Gage Products is proud to offer a full range of fuel blends and calibration fuels for testing system components. In the past, our advanced fuels technology also has led to our developing specific fuels for individual customer requests. Gage has been a Q1 rated supplier since 1987, and is both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 registered. Our outstanding services earned us the 2013 Detroit Free Press Green Leaders Award for Automotive Innovation. Additionally, we proudly sponsor the EcoCAR 2 competition, recently won by The Ohio State, by providing the fuel. Some of our capabilities within the fuels segment are outlined below.
Reference Fuels
Our formulary contains more than 1000 reference fuel blends. Gage Products usually requires only a name of a product or a specified need from a customer in order to find the most appropriate solution. We work with EPA, CARB, and European gasolines and diesels. With a full on-site fuels testing facility, we also provide C of A with all fuels. Chrysler, Ford, and GM are just some of the brands that utilize these blends.
Calibration Fluids
Stay up-to-date with the industry’s fast-paced changes in demand by utilizing our dedicated laboratory facilities. OEMs, Tier 1s, and various testing laboratories utilize Gage Products for their sourcing needs. Our capabilities include simulation of viscosity and flow, determination of critical vehicle systems values, and testing on rails, fuel pumps and injectors. With 25 different calibration fluids available, we can test multiple automotive applications.
Custom Fuel Blends
Our research and development team has experience producing the highest-quality results for even the most specific of customer designations. We offer bulk volume to one-gallon container packaging, and delivery times faster than the industry standard. All of these advantages are available for a competitive price.
Toll Manufacturing
We cater to clients looking for reliable, innovative, and environmentally-friendly solutions. Some of our varied services include: contracted work for unique fuel development, high-yield custom distillation, and blending or packaging for unique specifications.
Learn more about all of our capabilities and services here: http://www.gageproducts.com/fuels.html or contact us directly with any inquiries here: fuels@gageproducts.com.
5 Things You May Have Missed From Earth Day 2014
May 19, 2014 8:46 am Comments Off on 5 Things You May Have Missed From Earth Day 2014
To celebrate Earth Day, we discussed how manufacturers can adopt recycling and sustainability practices in their business in our previous blog. It’s always exciting to spend 24 hours focused on tweeting and talking about “green” initiatives, but with so much going on, it’s easy to miss important events or moments.
To make sure these efforts get proper recognition, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite events from Earth Day 2014 which you can see below.
2014 MI Earth Day Fest
One of the “largest and liveliest celebrations of Earth Day in the world” takes place annually in Michigan every year—and this time around, Earth Day Fest was held April 25-27 in Rochester. Attendees were able to shop for green products, learn about what it means to live green, and enjoy some amazing entertainment for kids and adults.
Global Selfie Campaign
On Earth Day, NASA asked for participants from around the globe to help put a twist on a very common trend by taking selfies in nature. On April 22, thousands across the globe took a picture in their local outdoor environment. By uploading their photo to one of the major social media platforms and tagging them with #GlobalSelfie, users could help create an image of Earth from the ground up that will be released in late May.
Green Living Science’s Essay Contest
One of the most important aspects of Earth Day is getting the next generation involved with saving the environment. Green Living Science is an organization whose mission is to “transform Detroit by teaching recycling,” and for Earth Day 2014, they held an essay writing contest asking local kids a very important question: “How do you take care of the Earth?” This year’s winner was Moises Corral, and you can read his essay here.
Green Cities
This is less of an event and more of a movement for the future—because over the next two years, the Earth Day Network is attempting to transform cities across the world. The goal is to help these areas become more sustainable by focusing on energy usage, green buildings, and transportation.
GreenFest at the Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo hosted its annual GreenFest celebration the weekend of April 26-27. This festival was a great way for kids and adults to continue the Earth Day celebrations and included earth-friendly crafts, an endangered species scavenger hunt, animal enrichment activities, zookeeper talks, and exhibits.
Earth Day and “green” initiatives are very important to us at Gage—we take building a better future seriously. But we want to know—what were some of your favorite moments from Earth Day 2014? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting at us.
How Manufacturers Can Adopt Recycling, Sustainability Practices
April 21, 2014 4:47 pm Comments Off on How Manufacturers Can Adopt Recycling, Sustainability Practices
It’s almost Earth Day. Every April, we take time to reflect on the past year’s efforts and look how we can continue to build a “greener” future–and we hope others in the manufacturing industry do the same. To clarify, Clean Technica mentions that “green” manufacturing can be considered in two ways: creating these environmentally friendly products that will move onto create clean energy and actually reducing pollution and waste in a company’s process. At Gage, we incorporate both into our production.
Since 1936, we’ve worked to build a reputation as the world’s preferred supplier of chemical-related products and processes, and over time, we’ve incorporated a “Sustainable” mentality. In 1994, we received a license to operate a Limited Storage Facility in 1994—and received its ten-year license renewal from the State of Michigan in August 2003. The license is required because Gage stores paint-related hazardous waste materials from automotive and other industries for on-site recycling.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we have safely recycled and remanufactured more than 100 million gallons of liquid organic materials at our facility since we began our sustainable manufacturing program, resulting in the reduction of millions of pounds of VOC’s and HAPS. This is material that would have otherwise gone to disposal and or landfill.
Because of this commitment to sustainability, we’re thrilled to reveal we recently received an “Honorable Mention” from PR News’ Corporate Sustainability Awards (CSR) in the category for “Corporation with less than 25,000 employees.”
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing environmental impact have become priorities for organizations around the world and Gage is no exception. We are thoroughly committed to reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable business practices that meet today’s needs and support the needs of future generations.
By having sustainability ingrained in our corporate culture, we are fully committed to advancing our environmental programs and policies. For us, conducting business in a socially responsible manner is the only way to conduct business. We hope that you will celebrate Earth Day with us by looking to see what your company can do to become a little “greener.” For more information on how you can get involved, head over to EarthDay.org, and for more information on our efforts, check out our website.
The Results for the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge
April 7, 2014 7:57 pm Comments Off on The Results for the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge
If you’re following our Facebook page, you’ve probably seen our images from the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that took place at the beginning of March. The event allows engineering students from schools across the region to re-engineer existing snowmobile for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise levels without sacrificing performance.
The future engineers are judged on rating emissions, noise, fuel economy, endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and various design factors. Aside from the standard challenge, there is a zero-emissions category (for battery-powered sleds), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, according to Michigan Tech’s website. They also list the participating universities:
If you’re following our Facebook page, you’ve probably seen our images from the 2014 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that took place at the beginning of March. The event allows engineering students from schools across the region to re-engineer existing snowmobile for improved fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced noise levels without sacrificing performance.
The future engineers are judged on rating emissions, noise, fuel economy, endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start, and various design factors. Aside from the standard challenge, there is a zero-emissions category (for battery-powered sleds), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, according to Michigan Tech’s website. They also list the participating universities:
Internal Combustion: Clarkson University, École de technologie supérieure, Kettering University, Michigan Technological University, North Dakota State University, Northern Illinois University, Rochester Institute of Technology, State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Idaho, University of Minnesota–Duluth, University of Waterloo, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Zero-Emissions: Clarkson University, McGill University, Michigan Technological University, Queen’s University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Fairbanks at Bristol Bay
This year, North Dakota State University ranked first in the fuel economy results with 28.68 miles per gallon (diesel), and Kettering University—which is located in nearby Flint, Michigan—took first place for overall internal combustion results. The March 1, 2014, cover of SAE Magazine Momentum for Student Members covers the Clean Snowmobile challenge and has additional information about the winners.
As a leading supplier of automotive paint-system solvent-recycling programs and a global leader in custom fuel-blending services for product development and emission-control testing, we believe events such as this are crucial to the longevity of the industry.
We believe in supporting the next generation of engineers, ideas and STEM, so we’re happy to help—in fact, this marks the twelfth year that Gage Products has sponsored the event at Michigan Technological University. Be sure to subscribe to our blog (on the top right of this page) for more information about upcoming events and what we’re up to.
Get to Know Gage’s Fuel Options
March 21, 2014 3:30 pm Comments Off on Get to Know Gage’s Fuel Options
Alternative, fossil, cells—there are plenty of fuel types making headlines these days. As a leader in custom fuel blending for automotive OEMs, engine manufacturers, and suppliers across the globe, we’re at the forefront of innovations in creating custom fuel bends for our customers.
We have four main objectives for fuel development, supply and servicing: reference, custom blends, calibration fluids, and toll manufacturing. It can be difficult to keep up with our offerings, so we wanted to break down a little about each objective below:
When OEMs approach us for more information on Reference Fuels, we offer up our knowledge base of fluid specifications and testing requirements. Typically, clients will submit a name of a product or spec a particular need, and we’ll do the rest. This allows us to create and test what application is an appropriate solution.
Our specialized research facility is perfect to design specific Custom Fuel Blends for our customers stemming from a variety of material properties. We pride ourselves in having a full-service research and development team, with a specifications library, on-site refining capabilities, to facilitate custom fuel advancement.
Calibration Fluids are held to rigorous standards, as the automotive industry requires the most precise measurements that include viscosity and flow characteristics, and we’re able to meet the demands.
Our Toll Manufacturing capabilities brings together our plant assets and expertise, hand blend analysis, and full-range of research and design, and analytical services. Our corporate cadence is designed to continuously work toward economical and sustainable solutions.
Still want more information on our custom fuel blends for automotive applications? Call us at 248-541-3824 or shoot us an email at fuels@gageproducts.com.
What Happened at This Year’s 2014 NAIAS Show?
February 7, 2014 1:19 am Comments Off on What Happened at This Year’s 2014 NAIAS Show?
If you were lucky enough to attend this year’s North American International Auto Show, your head is probably still spinning after viewing the hundreds of innovative automotive designs. The event drew in more than 5,000 journalists from 60 countries—which just goes to show that the public’s love for fast, beautiful vehicles is alive and well.
Held during from January 18 to 26, the 2014 NAIAS featured more than 500 innovative vehicles and debuted 50 brand-new designs. It was essentially a four-part show, comprised of the following events:
1. Press Preview: During January 13-14, members of the press were given a sneak peek of the industry’s most exciting annual event. In addition to viewing the vehicles, media professionals were able to network with peers and catch up on the latest news, technologies, and events.
2. Industry Preview: On January 15 and 16, more than 28,000 representatives from over 2,000 automotive companies gathered to share insights, ideas, and opinions. It was an inspiring and exciting time for industry leaders and newcomers alike.
3. Charity Preview: On January 17, NAIAS welcomed a wide range of children’s charities, and generously donated proceeds to those organizations. As an impressive testimony to the show’s commitment to helping kids in the community, the Charity Preview has raised more than $91 million for local children’s charities since 1976.
4. Public Show: On January 18^th, the NAIAS opened its doors to the public. Attendants got up close and personal with more than 500 amazing vehicles in this prestigious automotive showcase.
This year’s show also hosted two design competitions where proceeds benefited the DIO’s mission to assist and educate the visually impaired. In the 13th Annual Michelin Challenge Design competition, hundreds of international designers and teams submitted their prototypes, drawings, and renderings to be judged by some of the industry’s most prestigious designers. EyesOn Design Awards were presented to designers who excelled in the areas of aesthetics and innovation, concept implementation, and functionality and spirit of industrial design.
Our Facebook page has plenty of photos from the event, so feel free to head over and give us a “like.”
Sustainability Initiatives to Get Involved With in Michigan
January 27, 2014 5:31 pm Comments Off on Sustainability Initiatives to Get Involved With in Michigan
Sustainability has been a global concern for at least a quarter of a century, and many countries are focusing on greener living now more than ever. Though U.S. sustainability is undoubtedly a nation-wide effort, each state contributes to the movement in its own way. Michigan comes in as the 19th most sustainable state, but looking to 2014 and beyond, the Wolverine State is on track to improve that rank, according to Site Selection.
There are many initiatives in Michigan that indicate how bright a future the state could (and will) have. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—along with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—has partnered with the Mid-Michigan Program for Sustainability, a consortium of community organizations working on various projects ranging from a community reinvestment fund to an energy audit of built structures. The MMPGS’s overall goal is to “spread awareness and interest about the sustainable development of our region.”
Higher education in the state is also doing its part to develop not only the next generation of workers—but a “greener” state as well. The Western Michigan University’s Office of Sustainability, which seeks “to advance responsible environmental stewardship,” joined the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating system in November of 2013.
STARS, a program administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, publicly reports an institution’s sustainability performance, and more than two hundred colleges and universities across Canada and the U.S. are participants. Saginaw Valley State University has partnered with The Dow Chemical Company Foundation to create a Dow Science and Sustainability Education Center. The center, which will be up and running during the summer of 2014, will educate students and teachers in the Great Lakes Bay Region in advancements made in science, technology, and engineering.
One non-profit organization that’s been receiving a lot of attention over the last few years is The Empowerment Plan. Originally started as a class project by Veronika Scott, it eventually grew into something much bigger. The group creates waterproof, self-heated coats that can also be used as sleeping bags, which it then donates to the homeless on the streets of Detroit. It is clear initiatives aren’t just spreading to where we live, but the people who live in our area as well.
Plenty of great work is being done by many different people and organizations in Michigan to raise the state’s level of sustainable development. Whether the aid comes from the federal government, universities, large multinational corporations, or non-profits, the joint effort results in a net positive that promises to bring even better days in the years to come.
See how we’re involved with sustainability initiatives in our area by checking out our website and Facebook page.
Gage Product’s Paint Circulation System Solutions
December 16, 2013 8:32 am Comments Off on Gage Product’s Paint Circulation System Solutions
Sealer Cleaning (Before)
Sealer Cleaning (After)
With the icy weather most of the U.S. has experienced over the past few weeks, this reminded us of the fact that many American will likely suffer some damage to their auto bodies either from the elements themselves or roadway accidents, which will keep our friends in the car painting business quite busy over the months ahead. Auto painting in many types of manufacturing facilities and independent paint shops rely on clean Paint Circulation Systems and clean paint lines to provide quality painted surfaces. When a paint circulation system doesn’t function properly, the quality of the paint application can suffer. A clean and efficient circulation system is the key to a successful error and defect free surface area.
Finding out the cause or source of system issues can be a painstaking process to discover and resolve. There are many potential causes, but if the system has been maintained with regular maintenance cleanings, this will help to eliminate paint system defects.
Using Gage Products patented Solventborne Cobra® and Waterborne Hydra® Paint Line Cleaners combined with our proven Paint Line Cleaning Program will restore a paint circulation system to design specifications. This process involves mechanically and chemically “scrubbing” the paint and other contaminants off the surface of the piping system.
The Gage Products Bare Metal Clean system guarantee utilizes:
- Patented line cleaning agents
- On-site technical supervision
- Detailed system-specific cleaning procedures
- A detailed site safety plan completed prior to the start of the cleaning
This innovative cleaning solution is a customized technology for OEM recommended annual deep stripping of paint system and circulation systems, sealer systems and heat exchangers.
Gage Products has built its reputation on high quality, value-driven products and services. All of our products are carefully planned and researched in order to ensure product integrity and solution quality. Our Bare Metal Clean System using Solventborne and Waterborne Paint Line Cleaning Programs are no different than our other high quality products and services. We’d be happy to speak with you about this in more depth, give us a call.
Supporting American Made Manufacturing
November 19, 2013 1:59 pm Comments Off on Supporting American Made Manufacturing
It’s no secret that we at Gage Products are big supporters of U.S. manufacturing. Although our last blog discussed expanding our services in a global market, we believe a strong American foundation is the key to a successful future—and we do our part to support it.
Aside from making our products in the U.S., we also help the industry through STEM education initiatives, working alongside the future generation of the manufacturing workforce. Not only we do provide a scholarship program and support a student car competition, we take opportunities to get involved with our own community in Michigan. There are plenty of great things happening in manufacturing in our area.
One example of manufacturing’s success and growth is the Detroit-based organization known as The Empowerment Plan. The nonprofit works to give jobs to the homeless and manufacture coats that can be transformed into sleeping bags—something that not only benefits these particular people but the industry and community as a whole. Initiatives such as this are driving nothing but positivity into the workforce and sector.
Another major event for Michigan manufacturing was the 2013 Manufacturing Talent Summit, which took place at the end of October. This summit focused “connecting industry professionals, educators and state leaders in the effort to combat Michigan’s growing talent crisis,” according to the event website. In addition, across the U.S. last month, Manufacturing Day sought to connect the next generation of manufacturing professionals to the up and coming jobs, and this month, we’re looking forward to recognizing American Made Matters Day’s effort to raise awareness. Both of these events celebrate the commitment to creating opportunities for the industry, which is invaluable.
At Gage, we wholly support U.S. manufacturing with our products, offerings, and outside work and hope you’ll make the commitment this month to the industry by pledging to buy American made products.
Launching Our Services in Portuguese, Spanish
October 21, 2013 1:49 pm Comments Off on Launching Our Services in Portuguese, Spanish
What’s the indicator of expanding business? For Gage, it’s on our homepage.
In the top right corner of our website, you’ll notice a drop down, where you can choose to view our information in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Having a multi-language website is important to us for a number of reasons.
The ability to connect with potential business across oceans is made easier into the digital age, but we want to be able to connect our full span capabilities and technical language with them with ease. We believe in the ability to fully explain what we offer in a person’s own native language—instead of just basic words that are easy to translate.
Our headquarters are in Ferndale, Michigan, but our business isn’t limited to city lines, state borders, or country limits—in fact, we’re continuing to expand in the global market. We’re also in the process of expanding the website to include Mandarin and German to expand our reach and offer various countries our products and services, enabling us to develop Gage’s vision, quality, and sustainability initiatives on a global stage.
There are endless benefits to growing your company, but in this case, it’s much more than that—we want to spread our ideals—we’ve previously blogged about why recycling is good for you company, but we also believe it’s good for the world. We have even bigger and better initiatives in the works to get Gage’s name and products on a global scale, so stay tuned. For more information on our company (in English, Spanish, or Portuguese), head over to our website.