Ford, MEDC partner to host Power Hour vendor meeting

15 Michigan companies participated in “Shark Tank”-style pitching event

LANSING, Mich. – Ford Motor Company and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program partnered on an invitation-only matchmaking initiative that brought together 15 Michigan vendors with Ford’s purchasing decision makers. The event took place today at The Henry, Autograph Collection in Dearborn.

“This matchmaking initiative of Pure Michigan Business Connect and Ford offers a unique and innovative style of connecting buyers and suppliers,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “We commend Ford for partnering on this event and for its commitment to expanding its Michigan supplier base and engaging with diverse businesses.”

Inspired by ABC’s reality television show “Shark Tank,” the Ford Power Hour gave pre-selected construction and rack companies the opportunity to pitch Ford Purchasing decision makers on their company’s construction capabilities or rack services, which are metal containers used for transporting components. Each company gave a three-minute presentation which was followed by a five-minute question and answer session with Ford.

Unlike the “Shark Tank” approach, no on the spot sourcing decisions were made. Top companies may receive an invitation for a follow-up meeting later this year. Although there is no guarantee that business will be awarded from this event, as a result of this event, Ford could potentially add one or more companies to its supply chain. Ford will contact all presenters by year end.

“Initiatives such as the Ford Power Hour are innovative and creative. Many technologies on the road today were developed as a result of our supplier relationships,” said Carla Preston, Director, Supplier Diversity Development Program, Ford Motor Company. “Ford is proud to support business growth and job creation in our home state of Michigan.”

The 15 companies that participated today are:

Diversified Power Inc., Fort Gratiot Charter Township

Eisen Assembly, Lansing
JMC Electrical Contractor, LLC, Clinton Township
KBE Precision Products, New Baltimore
S&D Mechanical Services Inc., Saginaw
TM Solutions, Roseville
W4 Construction Group LLC, Prairie Ronde Township
ADW Industries, Alma
Duggan Manufacturing LLC, Shelby Charter Township
Dunbar Mechanical, Inc., Farmington
Packaging Concepts and Design, Troy
Post Production Solutions, Manchester Village
Pro Services Inc., Portage
RLT and Associates, Shelby Township
Minowitz Manufacturing Company, Roseville Township

Launched in 2011, Pure Michigan Business Connect is a public-private alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, state agencies and major Michigan companies and organizations that connects in-state companies to business resources. Companies can find new ways to raise capital, get access to professional business services at little or no cost, connect with each other through a new business-to-business network, and identify potential supplier opportunities, while developing resources to improve their supply chains.

It is estimated that since Pure Michigan Business Connect launched, the program has facilitated more than $2.6 billion in revenue for Michigan companies, which translates into approximately 13,000 jobs for Michigan residents. For more information on Pure Michigan Business Connect, visit http://www.puremichiganb2b.com/b2b-web/#dashboard.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.