21st Century Marketing-Corvette Shows The Way

First Drive of Seventh Generation Corvette Prototype

Camouflaged 2014 Corvette offered as free download in Gran Turismo®5

Here's a manufacturing company that understands 21st century marketing. You can't just buy a flight of TV or radio ads, combined it with some print ads, and boom...it's time for three martinis.  

Forget about that. It is not going to be 1972 again....ever

So Corvette blazes a new path and shows the way.

When fans fire up their PlayStation®3 (PS3™) systems they'll have a chance to become part of Corvette  history.  Chevrolet  and Sony Computer Entertainment America, LLC (SCEA) are giving gamers a first-of-its-kind driving experience by offering a camouflaged Corvette C7 Test Prototype as a vehicle download in the critically acclaimed PS3™ racing game Gran Turismo®5.

Chevrolet and Polyphony Digital Inc., the developers of the award-winning Gran Turismo® franchise, collaborated to provide an authentic driving experience in a seventh generation Corvette prototype currently available to only a handful of people in the world.

2013 Corvette

During the creation of the virtual Corvette prototype, careful attention was paid to the tiniest details from the creases and wrinkles in the soft camouflage used to disguise the new design to specific driving characteristics that are currently being tuned and refined ahead of the vehicle's official debut in January.

All six previous generations of the Corvette have been available to players of the Gran Turismo series since the game's inception and the Chevrolet nameplate remains one of the most popular vehicles to race. The camouflaged Corvette C7 Test Prototype is immediately available for download through the PlayStation® Store from your PlayStation®3 at no additional cost and can be driven on some of the world's renowned race tracks, including Daytona International Speedway and the infamous Nurburgring - one of the track surfaces used in testing to evaluate the new Corvette's driving dynamics.

 

The Gran Turismo series has sold more than 67 million games since its inception and remains the highest-selling PlayStation-exclusive franchise of all time.

Chevrolet will introduce the 2014 Corvette on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. 

*****

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community is on sale now wherever books are sold. Order your copy online today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Abbott Press. Or you can simply click the Buy Now button at the top of this page. 

Last Chance Mile is also available at Schuler Books & Music in downtown Grand Rapids and in Kentwood, Michigan, as well as the main branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library, where this photo was taken.

Best Days Yet To Come, 2013 Manufacturing Forecast

The reinvention of manufacturing is underway, and the outlook is good. Our factories are running again, humming again, working again. But where are the people? If there is any bad news in this report from ISM it is that we are not expecting employment to increase in 2013.

Where are the people to restore the roar in this manufacturing renaissance?

Economic growth in the United States will continue in 2013, say the nation's purchasing and supply management executives in their December 2012 Semiannual Economic Forecast. Expectations are for a continuation of the economic recovery that began in mid-2009, as indicated in the monthly ISM Report On Business ®. 

The manufacturing sector is optimistic about growth in 2013, with revenues expected to increase in 17 manufacturing industries, and the non-manufacturing sector predicts that 14 of its industries will see higher revenues. 

Capital expenditures, a major driver in the U.S. economy, are expected to increase by 7.6 percent in the manufacturing sector and by 7 percent in the non-manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing, however, expects that its employment base will grow by less than 1 percent, while non-manufacturing expects employment growth of 1.3 percent.

These projections are part of the forecast issued by the Business Survey Committee of the Institute for Supply Management ™ (ISM). The forecast was released Dec. 12, 2012 by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee; and by Anthony S. Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the ISM Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee .  

Manufacturing Summary

Expectations for 2013 are positive as 62 percent of survey respondents expect revenues to be greater in 2013 than in 2012. The panel of purchasing and supply executives expects a 4.6 percent net increase in overall revenues for 2013, compared to a 4 percent increase reported for 2012 over 2011 revenues. 

The 17 manufacturing industries expecting revenue improvement over 2012 — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Petroleum & Coal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Paper Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Fabricated Metal Products.

"Manufacturing purchasing and supply executives expect to see continued growth in 2013. They are optimistic about their overall business prospects for the first half of 2013,” said Holcomb, “and are even more optimistic about the second half of 2013.” 

*****

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Abbott Press. 

This story of the transformation of Grand Rapids, Michigan is also available at Schuler Books & Music in Grand Rapids and Kentwood, as well as the downtown branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Or you can simply click the "Buy Now" button at the top of this page.

"Thelma and Louise" Moment In Manufacturing

AIA Warns 2013 Aerospace and Defense Outlook Threatened by Fiscal Cliff

Amway Hotel in Grand Rapids

The reinvention of our American communities continues. That is having an impact on manufacturing. Take a look at one industry leader's concern for the future.

Warning that "we're getting closer to a 'Thelma and Louise' moment, when we careen off into the void," Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Marion C. Blakey told attendees at AIA's Year-end Luncheon Dec. 5, 2012 that "the time for real work, real negotiation and a real solution" to sequestration "is now."

Although the 2012 numbers for the aerospace and defense industry "remain encouraging despite the headwinds," Blakey also said "it is far too easy to conclude that the companies, workers and communities that comprise this industry can withstand anything; that they can adapt to any change, no matter how sudden or harmful."

2012 aerospace and defense industry sales are projected to increase by 3.8 percent from $210.8 billion in 2011 to $217.9 billion, Blakey reported.  The sales increase, along with a healthy expansion of aerospace and defense exports from $85.3 billion in 2011 to an estimated $95.5 billion in 2012, is largely due to strong civil aircraft sales, Blakey noted. The industry's positive trade balance rose from $55.8 billion in 2011 to an estimated $63.5 billion in 2012, the largest trade surplus of any manufacturing industry.  

On the jobs front, aerospace employment increased modestly this year from around 625,000 at the end of 2011 to more than 629,000 in the last quarter of 2012, despite layoffs in some facilities supporting military programs – reflecting the increased output of the industry, particularly in the civil aircraft sector. However, the specter of sequestration cuts could significantly impact the defense, civil space and civil aviation workforce, Blakey observed.

"The fact that the world's arsenal of democracy has been relegated to the status of political bargaining chip is difficult to fathom," Blakey continued. "But I am even more concerned about the long-term consequences for our country's leadership position in terms of global security, technology and economic strength."

*****

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community is available now wherever books are sold, online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Abbott Press and in brick-and-mortar stores like the Schuler Books & Music stores in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Brewing Big Beer Bucks

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "manufacturing" as "making something from raw materials by machine or by hand." 

Brewing beer is the latest form of manufacturing to take hold in West Michigan, specifically metro Grand Rapids.

The Grand Rapids City Commission granted a $430,000 tax break to Founders Brewing, one of the most active breweries in Grand Rapids, December 4, 2012. 

 Founders brought beer brewing back to Grand Rapids, moving into one of the iconic relics of Grand Rapids’ past; a rat and gang infested, broken down furniture factory on the west bank of the Grand River. Police and hazardous materials crews had to sweep the place clean before they would allow reporters in for a press conference to announce the antique wood-and-brick building’s rebirth in 1996.

 The company might be in the midst of a $6 million expansion, but Founders nearly went bankrupt a few years after opening. CEO and founder Mike Stevens, a self-described “beer geek,” admitted he and his partner Dave Engbers made some bad beer decisions. They were able to keep their doors open and their beer brewing by switching their strategy. Mike and Dave started brewing the kind of beer they wanted to drink.

Founders' early days might not have been easy, but they did have fun.

“When you are fighting for something you really believe in you tend to fight a little bit more. So, if times are a little bit tough you just come out swinging,” he said.

***

I will have more on the pioneers of the reinvention of the West Michigan brewing industry in a new book that will be published early next year. -- Rod

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community, the story of the transformation of Grand Rapids into one of the centers of the biotech industry in Michigan, is available now wherever books are sold including Schuler Books & Music in Grand Rapids and Kentwood, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Abbott Press and at www.rodkackley.com. Or you can simply click the Buy Now button on this page.

Haworth Wins U.S. Government Contract

 U.S. Communities Awards Haworth National Furniture Contract

Holland, MI – November 27, 2012 – The U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, a leading national government purchasing cooperative, today announced  a multi-year new contract with Haworth, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of office furniture and organic workspaces.  The agreement will provide state, local, and municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and schools with access to Haworth office furniture and organic workspace solutions at competitively bid pricing through December 2016 with four – one year renewals options through December 2020.

“Haworth is pleased to strengthen its long-standing relationship with U.S. Communities,” said Phil Todd of Haworth.  “Our network of more than 250 preferred dealers throughout North America is committed to providing best-in-class customer service.”

In addition to competitive product discounts, U.S. Communities participants will have access to reconfiguration and relocation services, design/layout, planning, installation, project management, financing options and workplace consulting.

“We are happy to continue to offer Haworth’s integrated office solutions to U.S. Communities participants,” said Chris Robb of U.S. Communities.  “Their sustainable product offering and workspace design expertise provide participants with lasting value.”

For more information and FAQs regarding Haworth’s U.S. Communities contract visit http://www.uscommunities.org/haworth/.

*****

 

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community tells the story of Grand Rapids, Michigan's transformation into, among other things, one of the Gay Friendly Cities in the U.S.

The story takes place on Medical Mile, a cluster of prosperity that includes a research institute, a Big Ten university and the West Michigan Science and Technology Center, an innovation incubator for entrepreneurs.

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Abbott Press.

Special autographed editions are available at the Schuler Books & Music stores on 28th Street in Kentwood, Michigan and in downtown Grand Rapids.

Chevrolet Spark EV is Pure, Electric Fun

2014 Chevy Spark

Expected range among best in EV segment

Advanced, U.S.-built motor and drive unit deliver best-in-class acceleration

Two seven-inch, high-resolution LCD screens display key vehicle functions and infotainment

Initial markets include California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea and other global markets

Optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability enables Spark EV to charge to 80 percent in 20 minutes

LOS ANGELES – The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, introduced today ahead of the Los Angeles International Auto Show, packs smart performance and connectivity technologies into an affordable five-door urban mini car designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives.

With the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet accounts for more than 50 percent of all plug-in electric vehicle sales in the United States and Spark EV builds on Chevrolet’s proven electric motor and battery development programs. When it goes on sale next summer, the Spark EV is expected to have among the best EV battery range in its segment and be the first electric vehicle to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability, enabling the Spark EV to reach 80-percent battery charge in just 20 minutes.

“When you engineer a technology-filled, all-electric mini car that goes from zero-to-60 mph in less than eight seconds, customers won’t miss the gas,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The Volt and now the Spark EV show that Chevrolet not only knows EVs better than anyone else, we also know how to help customers get the most out of their EV experience.”

Inside the Spark EV, critical vehicle functions are clearly and intuitively displayed on one of the vehicle’s two reconfigurable, high-resolution, seven-inch color LCD screens, including a confidence gauge that shows the expected driving range based on driving habits and other conditions.

Spark EV also will keep urban drivers musically connected with Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink radio that comes standard and safely brings smartphone-based infotainment – including apps for BringGo full-function navigation, TuneIn global internet radio, Pandora and Stitcher – into the vehicle. Apple’s Siri will ride shotgun, for customers with compatible (4S and newer) iPhones.
In addition to previously announced markets including California and South Korea, Spark EV will also go on sale in participating dealerships throughout Oregon, Canada and other global markets. Spark EV will be eligible for coveted high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in California.

The soul of Spark EV

Spark EV is powered by an advanced electric motor and battery system. It consists of a GM-designed, coaxial drive unit and electric motor that together deliver 130 hp (110 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque for instant acceleration; and a more than 20-kWh lithium ion battery is expected to provide among the best EV range performance in its segment.


The drive unit and motor will be assembled of U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s White Marsh, Md., manufacturing facility, and the first time a U.S. automaker has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.
Spark EV’s long-life battery is designed to be safe, durable and reliable, and is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. It consists of a 560-pound (254 kg) square lithium-ion battery pack with a volume of 133 liters, comprising 336 prismatic cells.

“The Spark EV battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Pamela Fletcher, Chevrolet executive chief engineer of electrified vehicles. “It is extremely durable and has undergone the same abuse tolerance testing as the Volt battery.”

The Chevy Spark is just one more example of the Manufacturing Renaissance that is sweeping through Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. It is also a major part of the reinvention of our American communities.

For your copy of Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community, please visit www.rodkackley.com or any of your favorite online or brick-and-mortar retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Abbott Press.

And, as pictured in the photo....Last Chance Mile is now available through the downtown branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Michigan Manufacturing:Growing Again

Manufacturing grows again in Michigan. A Grand Rapids-based group is looking at more than $5 million in capital equipment investment and plans to hire 56 people over the next year, all of whom will make, on average, better than $29 a hour.

Knoxville, Tennessee’s loss is Grand Rapids, Michigan’s gain. Hot Stamp Tooling Systems (HTS), which is managed in Grand Rapids, but manufactures in Knoxville, is going to move a new production line to Grand Rapids instead of expanding in Tennessee.

HTS builds hot-form stamping die sets for the auto industry and is one of several companies affiliated with Tooling Systems Group, a family of mold and die stamping, tooling, assembly system, machinery sales and contract machining companies.

According to paperwork filed at Grand Rapids City Hall, HTS will be investing close to $5 million in capital equipment for its new line in Grand Rapids. That includes a 1,000-ton hydraulic stamping press, two industrial ovens, and a robot to move materials from the ovens to the press.

This means HTS will have to hire ten people and will move 68 jobs from Knoxville to Grand Rapids with an average wage of more than $28 an hour.

The Grand Rapids City Commission has already approved an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for that project along with expansions at four other manufacturing operations that fall under the Tooling Systems umbrella.

Advanced Tooling Systems (ATS), the flagship company of the Tooling Systems Group, will be investing in $500,000 in new equipment over the next year and hiring 10 people who will be making an average wage of $29.59 an hour. ATS designs, builds, re-engineers, and services medium to large-sized sheet metal stamping dies and tooling systems. 

Yet another company that is part of the Tooling Systems Group on the northeast side of Grand Rapids is also expanding. Concept Tooling Systems, a designer and engineer of small- to large-progressive, transfer and line sheet metal stamping dies, is planning a $50,000 expansion. As a result, 5 more people will be added to the company’s 34-person payroll.  The average starting wage is $33.34 an hour.

One more hiring plan: Ultimate Gaging Systems, another of the Tooling Systems Group companies, is going to be hiring 12 people over the next year.

By end of their meeting Nov. 13, 2012; Grand Rapids city commissioners are expected to ask the Michigan Strategic Fund to put all of that into a Tool and Die Recovery Zone. State officials will look at that request later this week, Nov. 16, 2012.

The news that a company is going to invest more than $5 million—a relatively small amount when you compare it to the giants of manufacturing, and hire fewer than four dozen people might not seem like much to you.

But you have to look at this as another small step in the journey of bringing Michigan manufacturing back and think about this: Tooling Systems Group would not be growing if its customers up the supply chain were not also doing better.

This is the Manufacturing Renaissance, and I will have more on that in my next book, scheduled to be published before the end of the year.

Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community is now available in hardcover, paperback, or e-book formats at all of your favorite online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Abbott Press.  Or you can ask your favorite bookseller to order a copy for you.

Of course you can also click the Buy Now button at the top of this page.

To find out more about Last Chance Mile and sample some chapters,  please visit www.rodkackley.com.