2017 Industrial Paint & Auto Wrap Up

This year the Gage Products’ team took on several causes that drive industry progression, innovation, and success. Wildlife conservation, Earth Day, National Safety Month, and National Manufacturing day are only four of many causes that we partake in throughout the year. The automotive industry, in and of itself, has also seen major advancements. In 2017, EcoCar and EV took a front seat throughout the sector.

In March, we hosted the Detroit Zoo’s inaugural Wildlife Conservation Gala. The event supported the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife conservation efforts. Presentations included their multifaceted conservation programs with aims to save and protect local, national, and international wildlife. The Detroit Zoological Society helps with the care and rescue of animals, endangered species, field research and conservation projects, support of other conservation organizations, educational initiatives, and response to environmental emergencies like oil spills.

Another environmental cause Gage supports is Earth Day, celebrated in April. Our products are ever present in the U.S., European, and Asian-Pacific automotive industries. At Gage, we offer our clients paint area solutions that are compatible with green technology, help to reduce manufacturing costs, and work to advance their company objectives. We also work with the aerospace, textile, industrial, marine, gas/ oil, government, printing/packaging, and furniture industries, providing solvent recycling programs and custom fuel blends. Our team also comes up with solutions for paint line cleaning programs, paint booth cleaners, solvent reclamation, recycling programs, and solvent & waterborne purge solvents–all of which are environmentally compliant.

National initiatives that we backed this year included National Safety Month and National Manufacturing Day. The sensitive nature of supplying wide range industries with chemicals, fluids, solvents, and specialty products demands that attention. We work diligently to ensure ongoing compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard with an aim to limit workers’ exposure to toxic substances and protect them from various health hazards. As an industry leader, we work hard to raise awareness with all of our clients, partners, and affiliates.

The annual goal of National Manufacturing Day is to address ongoing industry struggles to work towards community and industry solutions. Current concerns include the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, outsourcing of American job placements overseas, and uneven gender numbers in the field. For an update on this year’s statistics visit the NMD website.

The 2017 EcoCar3 winners were announced in May. EcoCar3 is a product of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) series. It is North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competition. This year’s challenge was to redesign a Chevy Camaro to reduce environmental impact. It also needs to  maintain “the muscle and performance expected from this iconic American car.” The teams were asked to incorporate alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to lower greenhouse gas and tailpipe emissions. Sponsors of the 2017 event included the DOE, GM, and Gage Products. Management was done by Argonne National Laboratory.

As the world is at a crossroads regarding energy efficiency and carbon emissions, car manufacturers are driving to meet goals for clean vehicles and sustainable products. One of the automotive industry’s greatest strengths has been developing products to meet the needs of consumers. Electric cars (EVs) are topping the trends lists for all auto manufacturers for 2017.

The auto industry is moving into the future with sustainability and renewable energy at the forefront of its technologies. As environmental sustainability advocates, we’re excited to watch the sector take initiative on reducing emissions and planning for future environmental protection. We look forward to the new technologies that will emerge in 2018, making sure to keep our audience informed of any new developments.

To learn more about our products and services that increase sustainability throughout the auto industry and more, please contact us today. You can also stay up-to-date with Gage and industry news by reading our blog, and following us on both Twitter and LinkedIn.

We wish you all a happy holiday season and look forward to reconnecting come the new year!

Gage Products Supports National Manufacturing Day Friday, October 6th!

This October Gage Products is highlighting the national efforts of Manufacturing Day. The annual goal of the National Manufacturing Day initiative is to address each struggle within the industry in hopes of working towards community and industry solutions. Current concerns include the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, outsourcing of American job placements overseas, and uneven gender numbers in the field. At Gage, we study these discrepancies daily to see what we can do to contribute to the solution of each matter.

On Friday, October 6, manufacturing companies across the U.S. will join the aim of National Manufacturing Day and open their doors to host industry related events. The MFG organization encourages participants to register their events on the official MFG Day site and mark it as public or invitation-only pending company preference.

On this day, active members vouch to recognize and honor the work that has been done and that continues to be done to progress the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing now supports more than 18.5 million jobs in the United States, and every dollar spent creates an additional 40 cents to the dollar for the U.S. economy.

Manufacturing offers a variety of STEM careers, some of which include machinists, electricians, computer programmers, assemblers, human resources, and sales. This is just a small portion of the many jobs that the industry has.

Public perceptions of the manufacturing industry have been outdated for too long. To be a part of today’s industry doesn’t mean you’re restricted to factory and shop work on the floor. Instead, the industry is currently seeing progress in technological advancements, STEM skills, secure job placements and benefits, as well as country and worldwide economic growth.

And initiatives go beyond National Manufacturing Day too. One of our favorite STEM events is the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that Gage participates in annually. Not only does a job in manufacturing represent security, but enjoyable events, the pursuit of personal interests, and global industry progression.

As a supplier of chemical-related products and processes, we strive to support our industry and community by creating viable chemical solutions. Gage has pioneered toll-blending capabilities and sustainable, closed-loop recycling systems to create a cleaner, greener environment.

For more MFG Day and industry updates, remember to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Contact us today for more information!

 

Gage Offers New Company Videos on YouTube

Here at Gage Products, we’ve been the world’s preferred supplier of chemical related products and processes for over 80 years. We do this by staying focused on our customer’s needs and providing the highest quality products and solutions for a wide range of processes. We also believe in sustainability while reducing costs and increasing effective resource management.

We now offer videos for customers to see the latest processes and solutions available. In our latest video, we take a look at solvents and recycling and how Gage Products uses environmentally friendly processes. We are able to create custom solutions for any company that will lead to reduced solvent usage, which can give OEMs a reduced cost while leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

You can view a video on our solutions overview, an explanation on cleaning solutions. One highlight is our paint cleaning solutions which focus on reducing cost and waste while improving efficiency and reducing the overall environmental impact.

Here at Gage Products, we’re also leaders in fuel blending for reference fuels. We are able to take custom specification and turn them into the right product solutions for our customers. We have done this for automotive, engine manufacturers, and suppliers around the world. We are also able to offer over 25 different calibration fluids.

We offer a company overview video which showcases our value driven, high-quality products, our superior customer service, and our commitment to creating sustainable and green initiatives, all while promoting safety. We continually strive to create better products through research.

Gage Products serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, industrial, marine, gas & oil industries, and more. We are up to date with the latest technologies and information your company needs to succeed in your chemical, paint, and sustainability missions. We invite you to find out more by reading our blog, following us on Twitter, connecting with us on LinkedIn, and liking us on Facebook. We invite you to contact us to find out how we can help your company get the answers you need while becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Gage Celebrates Worldwide Safety this Month

This year’s National Safety Month (NSM) is here! The annual event, organized by the National Safety Council and supported by thousands of companies and organizations across the country, will highlight different topics each week throughout the month of June to raise awareness about the leading causes of injury and accidental death at work, home, and in the community.

While we’re thrilled to support this year’s NSM safety programming, for us at Gage, we’re committed to improving safety practices and procedures year-round. In fact, the sensitive nature of our work — supplying wide range industries with chemicals, fluids, solvents, and specialty products — demands this dedication.

We work diligently to ensure ongoing compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), which outlines several requirements to limit workers’ exposure to toxic substances and protect them from various health hazards. Additionally, our employees are trained in chemical storage best practices, fire safety, and chemical spill response.

Not only do we prioritize safety within our own day-to-day operations at Gage Products, but we also aim to raise awareness with all of our clients, partners, and affiliates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, more than 13 people died on the job each day that year. By implementing precautionary measures and fostering a culture of safety in every facility, we can help reduce that number.

Safety should also extend to the home, the road, and elsewhere; thousands of people die each year from unintentional injuries including poisonings, car crashes, falls, and burns. Committed to meaningful community involvement, our team works alongside the Ferndale Fire Department to identify local safety risks and protect against fires, chemical explosions, gas leaks, and other hazards.

Gage Products is proud to employ best safety practices year-round, and we look forward to supporting NSM throughout the month of June. To keep up with how we’re celebrating, be sure to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To learn more about workplace safety or discuss ways to keep your facility safe, contact us today.

Gage Products Looks Forward to Earth Day on April 22nd

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.

Gage Looks Ahead to 2017

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.

Gage Looks Back at 2016

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!

Gage Lands Large Foreign Business Opportunity!

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.

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

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!

Gage Reaches a Milestone

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!