October 27 - Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited Cooper Standard in Fairview and toured their manufacturing plant on October 27, 2021. Plant Manager Lance Oldenburg, and HR Manager Sheryl Green led the tour which included members of the governor’s staff and MEDC. Also attending the tour were staff from Michigan Works! – Marisue Moreau, Director, and Alayne Hansen, Business Solutions Professional. Pictured from left: Lance Oldenburg, MEDC Rep, Governor Whitmer, Sheryl Green, Marisue Moreau, Alayne Hansen
Cooper Standard Automotive Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a subsidiary of Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc., a leading global supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Their products include rubber and plastic sealing, fuel and brake lines, fluid transfer hoses and anti-vibration systems. Cooper Standard employs approximately 32,000 people globally, and operates over 100 facilities in 20 countries. Their customer base is global and includes automotive manufacturers, as well as other Tier 1 suppliers. Cooper Standard employs 1,892 in Michigan at locations in Auburn Hills (2 facilities), East Tawas, Fairview, Gaylord, Leonard, Livonia, Novi, Oscoda.
Like many, the company has expressed their difficulty in attracting and retaining talent. Cooper Standard has participated in hosting several student tours with Michigan Works! and are a continued supporter of Manufacturing Day. The company is actively working with Michigan Works! to post and advertise their open job positions on Pure Michigan Talent Connect and have utilized the Going Pro Talent Fund to train and upskill employees. They have received $37,130 in Going Pro Talent fund dollars since 2017, and are currently in the application process for the 2022 Going Pro Talent Fund.
Wrapping up the Governor’s tour, Michigan Works! staff thanked the Governor for her support.