This article appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

At Breckenridge-based Integrity Fab & Machine Inc. (IFABM), “Integrity” isn’t just in the name. It’s a way of doing business and a way of life, and that’s a significant reason why the company has been chosen for the 2023 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier.

Specializing in custom die sets, plates and parallels, IFABM was founded in 2007 with only a couple of team members. Today, the company employs more than 80 individuals and is a pillar of the community.

“Our growth has been due to the dedication and hard work from all our employees,” says Trent Holland, Inside Sales Director. “At Integrity Fab & Machine, we live what the name is. We focus on accountability and integrity and doing the right thing, even when no one’s looking.”

A Culture of Dedication

Operations Manager Roland Koutz, who started Integrity with Kirk Smith in 2007, says that upon hearing about their honor, he began thinking about the company’s accomplishments and contributions to the industry over the years.

“It’s just amazing in this day and age,” he says. “We started in 2007, and in 2008 the economy was so bad. But we kept pushing forward and pushing forward and we never quit. This award is for everybody that works here and has worked here in the past. That’s what got us here.”

“Starting a business, running the business, and even during the good times and the bad times, you just got to keep the drive going,” Koutz continues. “It takes a team, and it takes focus. It takes dedication. We strive to be better each and every day. We want to be better for our customers. We want to get results. We want to help drive this industry forward.”

General Manager and Vice President Joe Mooney says when he heard about the award, he was overwhelmed. He says it’s validation for their team’s hard work over the past 16 years, and that it’s an honor to be grouped with so many outstanding manufacturers in the state.

“Michigan makes things. The rest of the world looks to us,” he says. “I mean, you’ve got the car. You’ve got cereal. You’ve got hospital beds. Most people probably don’t know that the four-way stop light was first made in Michigan. We make so many things in Michigan, and for Integrity Fab & Machine to be pointed out with, ‘You’re the Manufacturer of the Year,’ it’s mind boggling.”

A Culture of Positivity

While updating the company’s core values several years ago, the leaders of the business agreed that placing customers first was the top priority and that integrity should continue to be an overarching principle in everything they do.

At the same time, the leadership team encourages team members to take a step back, have a little fun, have a few laughs and really celebrate their successes, Holland says.

All of those principles combined contribute to the existing culture at IFABM. It is made up of “inspired” team members who come to work every day and challenge themselves to continue advancing and delivering the best product to customers, Mooney says.

Their community involvement further illustrates how they live out their core values. IFABM, which has historical ties to the Gratiot County and Breckenridge community through the Smith family, participates in many civic and social events, such as the Gratiot County Fair and the Breckenridge Homecoming Parade. Several of the team members also work with various charitable organizations as well, Mooney says.

It’s this kind of culture, dedication to the industry, encouragement of professional development and support of the community that makes Integrity Fab & Machine this year’s John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier.

The Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier is part of the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards which celebrates the leaders and products that are pushing the industry forward. Learn more about the awards program and gala.

The 2023 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award – Small Tier was sponsored by Stormy Kromer. Visit online: stormykromer.com/.