We drive past the plants. We wear the brands. We snack on the classics. But when it comes to Michigan manufacturing, what really matters — and what makes us proud? We asked local voices to share their takes, from the jobs they’d master (or avoid at all costs) to the products that put our state on the map. Because the story of Michigan manufacturing isn’t just told in numbers — it’s told by the people who live it.
Alex Hernandez, retired
Q: What Michigan-made product are you proud of?
A: For me, it’s Oldsmobile — a true American classic. Founded right here in Michigan in 1897 by Ransom E. Olds, Oldsmobile was all about innovation and style. They led the way in automotive technology — introducing the first four-speed semiautomatic transmission in 1937, the first fully automatic in 1940 and even building the world’s first turbocharged production car in the 1960s. I’m proud to say I was part of that legacy. I worked at Fisher Body and later at Lansing Delta Township, spending 44 years in the industry before retiring in 2024. Oldsmobile wasn’t just a car brand to me — it was a big part of my life and Michigan’s history.
Jared Robertson, assistant vice president for underwriting workers’ compensation at Ascot Group
Q: How important is sustainability in manufacturing to you?
A: Sustainability in manufacturing is important to me because it ensures jobs for Americans to help support our local economy and build a strong middle class. It’s also important because we want to build things here to reduce dependence on other nations that might not have our best interest in mind. Finally, it’s important because we have stronger environmental standards than many developing nations while we all share the same planet. We can only lead by example in these situations because we don’t have control over their regulatory and safety agencies. And I would be remiss to not mention our amazing OSHA standards that help keep American workers safe on the job site so they can return home to their families every night.
Amanda Hadley, independent financial adviser and licensed fiduciary at Full Circle Financial Planning
Q: What Michigan-made product are you proud of?
A: I’m most proud of Better Made Snack Foods, Carhartt and Vernors. All Michigan staples.
Jonathan Guinn, project manager at Granger Construction
Q: What manufacturing job do you think you’d absolutely crush — or absolutely flop at?
A: I think I’d crush a role that involves quality control because I’m detail-oriented and focus on precision. On the flip side, I’d probably flop at a highly technical machining job since I don’t have the specialized training or experience for that.
Stephanie McCoy, 94.1 Duke FM radio host and host of 6 In the City on WLNS and WLAJ
Q: What’s a factory job you’d love to try — just once?
A: A factory job that I’d love to try because it looked fun on “Laverne and Shirley” — bottle capping!
Dave Busch
Dave Busch is a creative advertising writer with a knack for big ideas and memorable messaging. Off the clock, he and his wife have a hobby farm populated by rescue animals – including goats, chickens, peafowl, ducks, cats, a dog and one potbelly pig named William.
