Our Stories

MPS Trenton Completes 5S Blitz in Molding Cell

A large percentage of parts produced by the Distribution Hardware (DH) value stream pass through the Molding Cell as a final production step. Parts are placed into a machine which adds a threaded nylon cap and are then packaged for distribution. » Read More

MFCS Saegertown Received General Motors 2017 Supplier Quality Excellence Award

On August 22, 2018, MFCS Saegertown was awarded the General Motors 2017 Supplier Quality Excellence Award. This is the first time the Saegertown plant has received this honor. » Read More

Metform Employee Yard Sale for Local Fire Department

Throughout the years, Metform employees have volunteered with local fire and emergency response organizations. Metform supports and acknowledges their contributions to our communities. » Read More

GM Awarded Metform 2017 Supplier of the Year

On August 20, 2018, Metform was recognized by GM as the Supplier of the Year, for the second year in a row, with this prestigious award. » Read More

MPS Team Members Ensure Power Poles Stand Straight and Tall Worldwide

Guy Strain Insulators (GSI), critical components to the power grid, are attached to guy wires that support power poles. They are made by using a special press to 'crimp' ductile iron castings to fiberglass rods. » Read More

Formula SAE Engineering Design Competition

Formula SAE is an engineering design competition for college and university student members that challenges engineering students to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with a small, formula-style, competition vehicle. Team creations are tested for optimum performance, endurance and emissions. » Read More

MFCS Saegertown Continues Toward Flawless Launch

Since 2014, Saegertown has made strides toward achieving a flawless launch of their customers' product lines: at least 13 various kaizens and hours of work by employees at every level of the Saegertown organization, Metform and Curtis. With years of planning under Saegertown's belt, they continue to build upon the hard work of those who came before them. » Read More

Metform Safety Team Improves Safety and Efficiency in Two Departments

Metform's Extrusion Science Safety Team is always looking for a safety challenge to help achieve "Mission Zero." During a safety team meeting, the process for pit inspection was discussed. A PDCA tool helped to evaluate the problem and identify solutions. » Read More

Mundelein Makes Strides Toward Plant Floor Safety

Continuous improvement is MacLean-Fogg's way of life. This steady drive toward perfection keeps our business in a constant state of positive change. A mantra among associates is: "To be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than today." » Read More

MacLean Power Systems Involved in an Impressive Effort in Puerto Rico

In January 2018, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) surrogate sourcing company that has contracts with the United States government contacted MPS to discuss the direct purchase of material for the re-build effort in Puerto Rico. » Read More

MacLean Curtis Received Toyota Quality Award

The Curtis Buffalo plant received the Toyota Certificate of Achievement in recognition of quality performance in 2017. » Read More

CSC Award Presentation at Kettering University

On April 5, 2018, the President of the MacLean-Fogg Fastener Components Group presented the 2018 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge award in Flint, Michigan to the Kettering University team for placing first in the competition. » Read More

Metform Division Recognized by Ford ITP as Best Managed Company

MacLean-Fogg is proud to announce that our Metform division has been selected as one of Ford ITP's Best Managed Companies for Outstanding Quality Performance and Zero Defects from May 2017-May 2018. » Read More

MPS Pelham Honors the American Flag

Like many companies, MPS has a flagpole in the front lawn near the highway. Early one morning while pulling into work, the head of the Engineering Department at MacLean Power Systems in Pelham, AL, realized that the light was out that illuminated the American flag and noticed that the flag had seen better days. It had become thin worn, and tattered along the edges. » Read More

MacLean Power Brazil Earns Positive Customer Recognition with CPFL Energia

In February 2018, MacLean Power Systems do Brazil was invited to a ceremony held by CPFL Energia as one of three finalists for its small components supplier-of-the-year award. CPFL is one of Brazil's largest privately-held electric utilities with over nine million customers across the states of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Minas Gerais. » Read More

MacLean Curtis Mooresville Team Discovers Key to Reducing Changeover Time

The MacLean Curtis Mooresville plant is adding new parts as part of the automotive shift from 6 speed transmission to 8 and 10 speeds. One such part was a similar, but not identical, sun gear. » Read More

MacLean Highline Develops Unique MPT Fastener Insert for Underground Enclosures

Traditional handhole enclosures have covers at grade level that have retaining bolts that are threaded into the box. All legacy Highline boxes were fitted with hardware placed into the box at the time of assembly. This new approach places the insert and hardware in the box at the time of manufacturing thus reducing the time required to assemble orders. » Read More

MacLean Maynard and Oakland University Working Together

In February 2018, MacLean Maynard was recognized at Oakland University for being a partner to the Oakland University Pawley Lean Institution. MacLean Maynard partners with Oakland University to give students the opportunity to observe lean tools in use at their facility. » Read More

Oakland University Students Tour Royal Oak Facility

On Wednesday January 30th, 2018, 23 Oakland University engineering, business and human resource development students headed over to MacLean-Fogg's Royal Oak facility for an afternoon of learning. Royal Oak personnel prepared and facilitated a multi-faceted learning experience. » Read More

Human Error is NEVER the Root Cause

Recently, while teaching Safety Basics, an attendee asked the facility's health and safety engineer, "John, honestly, don't you think safety accidents are 99.9 percent caused by careless behaviors? We can't control carelessness!" John then asked the class how many folks agreed with this person and everyone in the room raised their hands. » Read More

Safety Basics Makes an Impact at MacLean Maynard

During the second Safety Basics class at MacLean Maynard, one of the PDCA teams focused on the safety of the finished goods storage racks. The team drew attention to the fact that some of the storage rack cross beams were damaged, which could possibly cause an inability for the racks to hold the necessary weight. » Read More

MFCS Engineered Plastics Division Recognized Third Straight Year at Plastics Innovation Gala

MFCS Engineered Plastics Division was recognized once again for the third consecutive year for the most Innovative Use of Plastics at the 2017 Plastics Innovation Gala in Detroit on November 8th, 2017. » Read More

MFCS AlarmLok Innovation Featured in Automotive News

MacLean-Fogg is reinventing the automotive wheel fastener, again. Since the founding of our company in 1925, MacLean-Fogg has been recognized as an industry leader in innovation and product development. However, like most manufacturing companies, our innovative processes have rarely strayed from the standard development practices. » Read More

MPS Helps Puerto Rico Prepare for Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Maria's Devastation

Category 4 Hurricane Maria made landfall on the island of Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017 wreaking havoc on the U.S. commonwealth of 3.4 million people. This catastrophic event decimated the island's infrastructure leaving about 98% of the residents without power in the immediate aftermath. » Read More

MacLean Civil Products Manta Ray Anchors Save Boat and Trailer in Cat 4 Hurricane

Letter received by Sales Manager — Civil Distribution, MacLean Civil Products: Hello, About fifteen years ago I installed three Manta Ray anchors in my driveway to give me a system to keep my boat in place in case of a storm surge. » Read More

MPS York 2018 OT Model Line Strategy—One Model Line. One at a Time.

The 2018 OT Model Line strategy is underway at MPS York where our first Model Line went live the week of 12/04/17. We continue to create models in the different business environments of MacLean-Fogg in 2018. » Read More

A Transfer of Power: Making LOTOTO Convenient

The MFCS Saegertown facility is bringing their safety culture into the 21st century. With a safety culture that stretches back decades before they joined the MacLean-Fogg family, they are proud of their people, and how far they've come as a family. » Read More

MacLean Power Employees Receive Lineman Introduction Training

On October 20, 2017, team members from MacLean Power Systems Fort Mill Customer Service and York Plant attended an 8-hour training course on Line Worker Introduction at the York Technical College site in Chester, SC. The course was taught by a veteran lineman with extensive knowledge. » Read More

MacLean Senior Industries is Making Strides Toward Operational Transformation

MacLean Senior Industries (MSI) is a MacLean Power Systems' division that serves the communications and electronics industries. MSI recently started their Lean Journey, and over the first few months, big steps were taken toward Operational Transformation. » Read More

MacLean Curtis Favorably Influences Future Plans of OT Intern

The time spent as a 2017 Operational Transformation intern for MacLean Curtis was an adventurous and educational experience. The initial sight of the enormous manufacturing machinery and those that were larger than life caused the chill down the intern's spine. » Read More

MPS Anchor Team Helps an Eagle Soar

MacLean Power System's anchor team had the unique opportunity to assist Hunter Thoms of Joliet, Illinois (40 miles southwest of Chicago) with completing his Eagle Scout project. Hunter's project involved making improvements to the historic Pilcher Park located near his home. » Read More

MPS Experiences 2017 Record Hurricane Season

The hurricane season of 2017 goes down in the MPS record book. In late August, HARVEY, a category 4 hurricane, hit the gulf coast west of Houston. The Fort Mill, SC customer service team, teams at each of the plants and teams at the distribution center sprang into action. » Read More

Metform Walked, Ran, Biked, and Swam for School Supplies

From July 30 through August 26, 2017, Metform employees walked, ran, bicycled and swam laps. It was Metform's chance to help school children whose families could not financially afford to get them what was required to start school. » Read More

Metform Helps Local Area Veterans Receive Service Dogs

Metform, the hot forging division of MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, located in Savanna, Illinois, has an employee-driven team named The Metform CARS (Community Assistance Relief and Support) Team. » Read More

Metform Takes Lean Manufacturing Principals Back to School and the Community

A physical education teacher at a Savanna, Illinois elementary school holds an Elementary Track and Field Day in the afternoon at the end of every school year. Students invite their families to come and watch various themed activities — from Luaus to Olympics, to collecting donations for a new playground. » Read More

MFCS Chesterfield Awards 2017 Scholarship

MFCS Chesterfield awards one scholarly high school senior at Lans Cruese High School North a $12,000 Scholarship to attend an accredited four-year college or university. » Read More

Mission Zero Recognition: MPS York

On August 8, 2017, MacLean Power Systems, located in York, South Carolina, surpassed a milestone of 365 days without a lost-time accident. » Read More

Trenton's Lean Journey Brings More Teamwork

As Trenton began its transition to JD Edwards, it became apparent that the two existing conference rooms did not meet the business' changing needs. » Read More

MFCS Metform Works with University of Illinois Senior Engineering Design Team

During the 2017 spring semester, a University of Illinois Senior Engineering Design Team worked with Metform on a project to explore how to improve hot forging tool life. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Company Updates Environmental Health and Safety Policy

In early 2017, MacLean-Fogg Company released an updated Environmental Health and Safety policy with the theme "Mission Zero." This policy establishes the framework upon which Mission Zero objectives and targets will be set. » Read More

MPS Technical Presentation in Armenia

Four years ago, the High Voltage Electricity Network (HVEN) of Armenia commissioned Kalpatharu, an Indian contractor, to build a 220 kV transmission line in the mountainous region of southern Armenia. The contractor successfully introduced MPS polymer insulators into the Armenian market in 2013. » Read More

Lean Basic Training for MFI and MacLean-Dulhunty in Yangzhou, China

The 5-day LBT (Lean Basic Training) was conducted at Yangzhou, China, July 3 through July 7 at a manufacturing factory of one of MacLean-Fogg International suppliers. Attendees came from MFI-Taiwan, MFI-Qingdao, MacLean-Dulhunty Power Yangzhou, and the owner and instructor of the consulting and training company from Shanghai, China. » Read More

MPS Supplies MCP Dixie Helical Piles for Distributor's Award-Winning Chelsea Garden

The soils on the Chelsea Flower Show project were a mix of alluvial deposits and clays, all overlain by 3m of fill (top soil, rubble, etc). The design prediction for the pile length was 16.5m and, in reality, the piles achieved required torque at depths between 12m and 16m. » Read More

MacLean Power Australia's Food Drive Feeds Homeless

MacLean Power Australia conducted a charity food drive for the Exodus Foundation to assist with feeding the homeless over the Easter holiday. » Read More

Ecole De Technologie Supérieure Awarded MacLean-Fogg Cup for First Place Win at 2017 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge

On Wednesday, April 19th, during an on-campus ceremony, MacLean-Fogg associates presented the MacLean-Fogg Cup to the captains of the Clean Snowmobile Team at École De Technologie Supérieure (ETS). » Read More

MPS Trenton OT War Room: A Year in the Making

MPS Trenton quickly realized that we needed a space to communicate our OT journey and allow teams to meet and work on projects. Over the last year, we have been working to transform an old, unused boiler room into our OT War Room. » Read More

MPS Trenton Forklift Warning System Shines the Light on Employee/Pedestrian Safety

Almost everyone working in industry for any length of time has heard of someone who had the misfortune of a forklift running over their foot. When pedestrians and forklifts share the same space, there is an elevated risk of this kind of injury. » Read More

Metform Recognized by IndustryWeek Magazine

Metform employees celebrated their recognition by IndustryWeek magazine as a 2016 Best Plant Winner for Excellence in Manufacturing. » Read More

MPS International Attends and Speaks at US EXIM Bank Annual Conference

Margaret MacLean, MPS International President, and David Druetzler, MPS International Project Director, attended the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C. in April. » Read More

MPS Supplies Grouted Helical Piles to Support Challenging Structural Foundation

In the early 1800s, the very first recorded design and use of helical foundations took place in England to support lighthouses in tidal basins. Today, helical piles offer numerous economic solutions to support structural foundations. » Read More

EHS Transformation at Metform's Extrusion Science Facility

Safety is our number one goal at Metform. Nothing comes before it. Metform has a family atmosphere which drives everyone to do whatever they can to assure that everyone is safe. Safety exists with buy-in from everyone and starts with employees working on the floor in an atmosphere where everyone is empowered to initiate improvements. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems Employees Attend Lineman School

During the week of November 7, 2016, sixteen employees from MacLean Power Systems attended lineman school in Denton, Texas. This was Phase II of the training put together by NAAUD (North American Association of Utility Distributors). » Read More

Chesterfield Serves the Community

On Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 21 students from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan entered the building of MacLean-Fogg Chesterfield. In a perfectly structured manner, all 21 were given safety glasses, ear plugs, asked to read and sign a safety policy and divided neatly into two groups. » Read More

5S - MPS Fiberglass Newberry Plant Cross Arm Production and Inspection Area

The Newberry plant employees are on their way along the Lean journey. They were initially challenged with material organization coming off cross arm pultrusion machines. The area was congested with new production. » Read More

More Than Robots

This past fall, one of the tool design engineers for cold forming at MFCS Mundelein had the opportunity to volunteer as a mentor for Mundelein High School's robotics team. He enjoyed the chance to inspire kids and, maybe being a little biased, possibly nudge them to pursue engineering as a career. » Read More

MFCS Saegertown Reaches 100% Lean Basic Certified

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Saegertown plant has reached 100% Lean Basic certification for their full-time workforce. This is a huge accomplishment. Everyone worked diligently to complete their certification requirements. » Read More

There is Always a New Challenge - An American Rotational Engineer in Germany

Moving to a new job can be quite a challenge. A person has to learn about his/her new colleagues, what kinds of problems he or she will have to deal with during the day, and getting used to a new work environment. » Read More

MPS Trenton Hosts Local Schools for Manufacturing Day

MPS Trenton plant enjoyed youthful enthusiasm and curiosity brought by high school students from several of the county schools. Trenton hosted three school groups on October 7 and 21 for the Tour of Gibson County Manufacturing Day 2016 » Read More

MFI Qingdao 10th Anniversary

On November 16, 2016, the MFI Qingdao office celebrated its 10th anniversary. MFI Qingdao Trading Company, based in China, was established to develop China suppliers for MacLean-Fogg's businesses around the world. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Sponsors the 2017 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge

The 2017 Clean Snowmobile Challenge, which occurred March 6-11, was held at the Michigan Technological University Keweenaw Research Center (KRC), which is located in Calumet. The main campus is located in Houghton, Michigan. This year's event featured teams competing in both the IC (internal combustion) and ZE (zero emissions) categories. » Read More

The Best Things in Life — MacLean Curtis, Buffalo, New York Embraces Food Drive for School 18

For many years, MacLean Curtis, Buffalo, New York, and the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence, School 18, have had a long-standing relationship. The purpose of the partnership is to help prepare students for a successful future. » Read More

MFCS Liederbach 1 out of 100: Volvo Quality Award of Excellence

MFCS Liederbach is proud to announce that they received the Volvo Quality Award of Excellence. Their Volvo STA came by to present the award personally. » Read More

MFCS Saegertown Provides Employee Training on Fire Extinguisher Use - P-A-S-S

On November 18, 2016, Saegertown employees participated in portable fire extinguisher training. The workforce learned the A-B-Cs of portable fire extinguishers in the classroom, and had an opportunity to extinguish actual fires under controlled conditions. » Read More

MacLean Anchors and Big Bambu

Big Bambu is a work of installation art by identical twin artists Doug and Mike Starn. Variations on the exhibit have been constructed at several locations around the world. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Sponsors 2016 Formula SAE Event

For the second year in a row, MacLean-Fogg participated as a sponsor for the 2016 Formula SAE (FSAE) event at Michigan International Speedway. » Read More

MacLean Civil Anchors Rock the Holy Land

A legendary rock and roll Hall of Fame hard rock and metal band kicked off the western portion of their 2016 world tour in Tel Aviv, Israel. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Announces Sale of Presswork Krefeld Division

MacLean-Fogg is pleased to announce the divestiture of the Presswork Krefeld division to private equity firm HANNOVER Finanz and local management effective February 10th, 2017. We believe this transaction is a win for MacLean-Fogg, the new PWK Automotive group of companies and customers » Read More

The Best Things in Life — MacLean Curtis Buffalo Honors Graduates at School 18

For over 25 years, there has been a partnership between Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence (School 18) and MacLean Curtis, Buffalo, New York. In addition to the celebration of 72 'Citizens of the Month' during the school year, we recognized two outstanding young people who are graduating from 8th grade. » Read More

MacLean Curtis North Carolina Making a Difference with OT Efforts

Operational Transformation (OT) efforts are well underway at the MacLean Curtis facility. Dedicated activities regarding the implementation of Lean methodologies and techniques, identification and elimination of waste, monitoring and ensuring the sustainment of results and providing updates on progress are keeping the momentum going. » Read More

MacLean Power Canada Contributes to Community Initiatives, Call to Action!

On May 21st, 8 employees plus family members contributed their time for a great cause; the improvement of the Chateauguay river banks. Every year, for the past 8 years, we have collected garbage ranging from tires, shopping carts, plastic everything, diapers and the list goes on. » Read More

Starting with the Basics - 5S Event Success at Mundelein

In May, a team led by a first-time Kaizen event facilitator was formed to start working on one of the internally threaded fastener cold forming machines with the basics — the House of Excellence — 5S. With initial audit results in hand, which they prepared during four weeks of pre-planning, the 3-1/2 day Kaizen journey was on its way. » Read More

Bull Creek Clean Up

Back in 2013, Lake County, Illinois was hit by a large storm that caused high flooding and damaged watersheds. In the backyard of the Mundelein facility is the Bull Creek Watershed, which is one of the many damaged watersheds. » Read More

5S Kaizen Event at York Facility

One of the bricks that make up the foundation of the MacLean-Fogg House is 5S. This is the practice of improving safety, quality, and productivity through constant workplace organization and standardization. The term "5S" comes from 5 Japanese practices, which transliterated from Japanese characters to English, all start with the letter "S." » Read More

Accelerated Leadership Program - Mundelein

Over the last 5 years, Mundelein has worked to realize the central mission of Operational Transformation; the creation of a learning organization focused on the development of all team members and the empowerment of those individuals to drive change. » Read More

Nearly 150 Years of Service Participate in Aerial Lift Safety Training at Saegertown

Many small towns celebrate 150 years of existence; they're called sesquicentennials. To put that in perspective, the American Civil War began 155 years ago. On May 10, six highly experienced Saegertown employees — the writer with less than two months of tenure — participated in aerial lift safety training. » Read More

MPS Trenton Anchors Achieve Production Improvement Through Kanban

In January of 2016, the Anchors Value Stream at Trenton installed a new piece of equipment to produce hubs for Power Hub anchors. An increase in throughput and efficiency was needed in the drill and tap operation due to excessive downtime on aging equipment. » Read More

MPS Fort Mill Facility Hosts Value Stream Planning Kaizen

In February 2016, the Fort Mill, South Carolina office hosted a Value Stream Planning (VSP) Kaizen for their Credit and Return Authorization (RA) process. This event was co-facilitated by members of the OT Team and LEAN Professional students a couple of weeks after their first LEAN Professional class. » Read More

MacLean Anchors Division Charging into 2016

The MacLean anchors team has been non-stop in 2016. Anchor team members have participated in trade shows, product testing and business development opportunities in several markets. Having travelled across the United States and South America, our team is excited about the opportunities 2016 bring with the uptake in construction projects. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Lockthread Solves Problems

In the fall of 2015, a large diesel engine customer was encountering issues fastening a turbo in a high temperature and vibration application in which the joint was failing during testing. The Maynard engineering staff traveled to the customer's headquarters and presented the MacLean-Fogg Lockthread technology to the engineering team. » Read More

Saegertown Plant Achieves 100% Participation in Lean Basic Program

Saegertown began Lean Basic classes in July of 2013 and is excited to have reached 100% trained. They still have a challenge, which is, "How do we make sure that we give people the time and the resources needed to complete their deliverables?" Currently, their plant is at 58% certification rate. Their 2016 certification goal is 100%. » Read More

World of Concrete

In February 2016, MacLean Power Systems exhibited at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. MacLean Civil Products and MacLean Highline products were on display. MacLean Civil products included their newest line of Manta Ray and Duckbill Earth Anchors. » Read More

Linemen Provide Feedback on MacLean Power's Corrosion Resistant Splice

MacLean Power's corrosion resistant splice (CRS) features the latest in automatic splice innovation and addresses two major concerns of utilities: ensuring proper insertion of the conductor into the splice and improved reliability through increased corrosion resistance. » Read More

The Rotational Program Takes on the Carolinas

The MacLean-Fogg Manufacturing Management Program (MMP) is a two-year rotational program that allows high potential recent college graduates to make a measurable impact early in their professional careers.Rotational Engineers work side-by-side with current MacLean-Fogg engineers on projects and assignments that will create a challenging and rewarding experience. » Read More

MPS - 765kV Testing

MPS is involved in a joint venture to build, own and operate electric transmission facilities in Indiana. The project consists of the construction of approximately 290 miles of 765kV transmission lines extending from a substation near Kokomo and terminating near Evansville. » Read More

A Day in the Life of a Lineman

When Duncan MacLean, President, MacLean-Fogg, took the lead at MacLean Power, one of his first requests was to "Go-See" how a Power Utility Lineman works with MPS products. So when a Lineman, Trainer and Safety Manager at a diversified energy company heard that the top of MPS wanted to experience what it's like to be a Lineman, he sent Duncan to the top of a pole - literally. » Read More

Storm Process at MacLean Power Systems

During and after a storm, power restoration is the highest priority for MacLean Power Systems. In support of our customers, MPS provides dedicated customer service, inventory and shipping support for the emergency material needs of restoration. » Read More

MPS York Hosts LEAN Professional Class

The most recent LEAN Professional class held in York, South Carolina included company representatives from MPS Trenton, MPS York, MPS Fort Mill, MPS Curtis NY, and PWK in Germany. This was the 4th group of MacLean Power Systems' employees to attend the LEAN Professional Class. » Read More

MacLean Curtis, North Carolina Keeps Moving Forward

As the site for the new MacLean Curtis facility in Mooresville is being prepared and the building construction begins, the team at MacLean Curtis in Cornelius, NC is taking full advantage of the opportunity to lay out the new facility with a clean slate. » Read More

Saegertown and MFCS Curtis Teamwork

Steal shamelessly is a motto that most would be embarrassed to live by, but this does not hold true in terms of MacLean-Fogg overall corporate Lean initiatives. During the annual Operational Transformation summit, all OT members were encouraged to steal and implement any and all the fantastic ideas that have been developed at sister plants and bring them back to their home facilities. » Read More

MPS Fort Mill Customer Service Gemba Walks

The MPS Fort Mill customer service team received training on Gemba walks. This training was completed via a series of go-see visits to the MPS York operation to see an experienced Lean team work the Gemba walk on the shop floor. » Read More

MFCS Sales Office Move

After 15 years, the MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions sales office has moved to a new location in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 3 miles south of the previous Rochester Hills, Michigan location. Instead of a standalone building with warehouse space that wasn't being used to the fullest and costing more than necessary, the MFCS sales office downsized into an office building. » Read More

MPS OT Champion

MacLean Power Systems is pleased to announce that one of their Fort Mill customer service representatives is now an Operational Transformation Champion. OT representatives drive improvement throughout the MacLean-Fogg company. » Read More

MacLean Curtis Groundbreaking in Mooresville, North Carolina

MacLean Curtis has begun the process of building a new site in Mooresville, NC about 10 miles north of its current location in Cornelius, NC. When the new site is up and operational, the Cornelius site will be sold. The groundbreaking took place on December 3, 2015 with many city and county officials on hand. » Read More

MPS Introduces IEC Hex Head Machine Bolts

Distribution Hardware is expanding its product offering to include IEC compliant Hex Head Machine Bolts. Hex Head Machine Bolts will be in metric dimensions, as opposed to imperial dimensions traditionally supplied by MPS to its legacy North American market. » Read More

Saegertown Utilizes the Red Safety Tag Program to Encourage Plant Safety

Saegertown just wrapped up its second full year of the "red safety tag" program with 585 individual tags submitted in 2015 (up from 110 in 2014)! This program is intended to bring to attention and resolve unsafe plant conditions. » Read More

MPS Fort Mill Customer Service Appreciation Week 2015

In 1992, the United States Congress nationally recognized that the first week in October would be National Customer Service Week. This event is a week-long opportunity to recognize customer service and the vital role it plays in the success of businesses. » Read More

An Interview with an MFCS Royal Oak Engineering Intern

A recent graduate from Royal Oak High School interned with MFCS Royal Oak in summer 2015 after having received an annual engineering scholarship from MFCS. The graduate decided to pursue an internship with MFCS Royal Oak to get a head start on his engineering experience. » Read More

Noise Reduction at MacLean Curtis

In an effort to reduce the noise level in the plant, the maintenance team lined the inside of the scrap hopper with 2 ply 22-3/16 inch X 1/16 inch Hot Asphalt SOR. » Read More

Creating a Successful 5S Program at Troy

In late 2013, a cross-functional team of managers, floor team members and engineers met at our stainless steel wheel nut manufacturing facility in Royal Oak, MI. They discussed plans for moving a third of their operation four miles away to newly acquired factory floor space in Troy, Michigan. » Read More

MPS Fort Mill Demonstrates that Giving is the Real Reward

Currently, there are over 500,000 homeless Americans, and at least 77,000 of them are children. The statistics are overwhelming, but what can just one person do to help? You may not think all that much, but every little bit counts. » Read More

Engineered Plastics Company Finalist for SPE Innovation Award

MFCS-Engineered Plastics Company (EPC) began developing an engineering solution for a major automotive OEM several years ago for the fixation of PedPro (Pedestrian Protection) sensors to the front fascia (bumper cover) of their new 2015 performance car. » Read More

Tapping Tooling Kaizen Workshop

In mid 2015, a cross-functional team met in our stainless steel wheel fastener manufacturing facility in Royal Oak, MI for four days to focus on an improvement opportunity, tooling in Royal Oak's Secondary (Tapping) department. » Read More

MPS Pelham Graduates

The MPS Pelham facility provides a variety of iron and steel parts, many of which must be closely inspected for any type of discontinuity, such as cracks or seams. The inspection process is called magnetic particle inspection. » Read More

MFG Day at MacLean Maynard - Maynard Welcomes Anchor Bay High School

On October 2, 2015, MacLean Maynard, Chesterfield, Michigan, participated in MFG Day. MFG Day is a national, annual event to promote students to gain hands-on knowledge about the manufacturing industry. » Read More

MacLean Civil and Deep Foundations Institute Teaming Up in 2015

MacLean Power Systems Civil Group (MPS Civil) and Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) have partnered to maximize both organizations outreach into the domestic and global deep foundation markets. » Read More

MFCS Metform Employees Help Local Charities

MFCS Metform employees helped fill the shelves at the Savanna, Illinois Food Pantry. 58 bags of much needed groceries were donated including 10 turkeys. » Read More

Transmission Insulators 2015 Year in Review

2015 showed continued growth in Transmission including Transmission Insulators (TI). The outlook remains strong for 2016 and MPS is well positioned to see continued growth from investments in both equipment and people. » Read More

MFCS Attends Fall Career Day at Penn State University

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions had a booth at the Fall Career Days hosted by Penn State University in State College, PA. The goal of the fair was to look for great candidates for internship, co-op and full-time engineering opportunities across MFCS. » Read More

Saegertown's Commitment to Safety

At our cold forming facility in Saegertown, PA, a pledge has been made to keep safety in the forefront of everything done plant-wide. This is evidenced with a second round of Safety Basics training, Safety Basics certifications, and fork truck trainer certifications. » Read More

MFCS Think Tank

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, the first annual MFCS Think Tank meeting was held at Meadow Brook Hall on Oakland University's campus, located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. » Read More

Summer Intern Contributes to Continuous Improvement at Saegertown

At the conclusion of his summer internship, the engineering intern at MFCS Saegertown presented an overview of the vast list of projects in which he was involved. One project of interest was backing up and organizing over 600 PLC programs used at Saegertown. » Read More

MPS New All Polymer Concrete Boxes

The Sweetwater facility has been manufacturing underground utility enclosures since 2003. In the early days, units were small in size but, to be a viable industry competitor today, there are four sizes that a manufacturer must supply. » Read More

More Than an Address Change for MacLean Curtis, North Carolina

The MacLean Curtis plant in Cornelius, North Carolina has gone through tremendous growth since 2011, filling every nook and cranny with equipment. As business increased, we knew we could no longer fit into the 51K square foot facility we now occupy. » Read More

MPS Fort Mill Customer Service Team - Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk

At MPS Fort Mill, South Carolina, the customer service team joined the MPS York, South Carolina team while they conducted their daily Gemba Walks with the plant. » Read More

MacLean Curtis-Buffalo Hosts a Community Baby Shower

They say that the best way to a person' s heart is through their stomach. With that in mind, MacLean Curtis hosted its Second Annual United Way Community Baby Shower Bake Sale for a week in May 2015. » Read More

MFCS Saegertown Celebrating 50 Years

MFCS Saegertown celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015. An open house celebration event was planned for July 11th, which also recognized the 90th anniversary of MacLean-Fogg. » Read More

Lean Basic Classes Begin at MacLean Curtis

MacLean Curtis took the first steps toward implementing Lean Basics, in 2015, by holding their first Lean Basic Class in Cornelius, North Carolina and Buffalo, New York locations. » Read More

World of Concrete 2015

The MPS Civil team attended the 2015 World of Concrete (WOC) Trade Expo. Attendance for the expo was the highest in six years with a 15% increase from the previous year with 55,000+ in attendance. » Read More

Lean Basic PDCA Project Process

An MFCS Metform team defined a safety concern driven by transportation and motion associated with movement of parts and, as a risk of lift truck/pedestrian accidents due to the high volume of lift truck traffic involved with moving parts long distances. » Read More

MFCS Sponsors Formula SAE Student Competition

During the week of May 18, 2015, MFCS sponsored the Formula SAE Student competition in Brooklyn, Michigan. The concept behind Formula SAE is a fictional manufacturing company has contracted a design team to develop a small Formula-style racecar. » Read More

Safety Basics Have Gone LIVE at MFCS!

The week of August 3, 2015 marked an important moment in the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) journey at MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) with the facilitation of the FIRST (post-pilot) Safety Basics class! » Read More

MacLean Curtis Partners with School 18

There are many phrases and quotes that remind us of the simple things in our lives. "Good Things Come in Small Packages," "Pay it Forward," "The Best Things in Life are Free" are a few you may know. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Hosts a Table at Career X-Ploration Day

On July 13, 2015, MacLean-Fogg helped teens learn more about potential career opportunities. The Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois, a public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics, hosted its second annual Career X-Ploration Day for teens. » Read More

MacLean Power Canada Starts a New Ice Hockey Season

MacLean Power Canada proudly re-engaged in ice hockey by starting a new season. The summer season was used to train and get close to a coordinated effort for the fall season. » Read More

Engineered Plastics Company Develops Rapid Prototype Process

MFCS-Engineered Plastics Company (EPC) began developing a way in which it could quickly and cost-effectively prove out concepts to customers for innovative application ideas. » Read More

Tower Safety Products

MPS has developed an Anti-Climbing Guard solution as the newest addition to our Tower Safety Products. Our Anti-Climbing Guard has been engineered to safely and securely deter climbing of the transmission tower. » Read More

MFCS Sponsors 2015 Clean Snowmobile Challenge

The SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge is a college engineering student design competition. Teams from participating universities compete within the rules and scoring to make production snowmobiles quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient. » Read More

MPS Pelham and Alabaster Renew Lean and Continuous Improvement Focus

In 2015, MPS teams at Pelham and Alabaster re-energized their focus on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement (CI). This renewed energy kicked off in January with emphasis on 5S, a major foundation of lean manufacturing. Without a firm 5S culture, there is no stability, and without stability, lean and/or CI programs are usually not successful. » Read More

U.S. Engineer Completes His One-Year MFCS Rotation in Germany

A recently graduated engineer joined the manufacturing rotational program on July 2nd, 2014, and his first day in the office was quite different in comparison to that of other rotational engineers at MFCS. This individual was bold enough to choose Liederbach, Germany as his first location and leverage his prior one-year college education in Lübeck, Germany. » Read More

Ex-Im Bank Supported Global Business

Recently, Margaret MacLean, MPS President, Europe, Middle East, Africa, participated in an African Roundtable at Ex-Im Bank's 2015 Annual Conference in Washington D.C., along with a number of representatives from the business and finance sectors. The panel focused on Access to Credit and Doing Business in Africa. Over the past years, Ex-Im's support made MacLean's participation in a large rural electrification in Ghana possible. » Read More

MPS Sits on the Utility Supply Management Alliance Board of Directors

The 2015 Utility Supply Management Alliance Conference celebrated the organization's 20th year and established USMA as the premier educational conference for supply chain managers, suppliers, and distributors in the power industry. This year, the record attendance of 605 industry professionals provided a platform for productive meetings with many companies. » Read More

MFCS Metform Receives Quality and Performance Awards in 2015

MFCS Metform was recognized by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) for its 2014 Quality Performance Achievement, and FCA US Kokomo Transmission Plant (KTP) for being a top supplier » Read More

Anniversary Celebration Logos

2015 is an exciting year for MacLean-Fogg and brings about four significant milestones in our company's history. It marks the 90th anniversary of the MacLean-Fogg Company; the 50th anniversary of the opening of MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions' plant in Mundelein, Illinois; the 50th year in business for MacLean Saegertown in Pennsylvania; and the 110th year for MacLean Curtis, the newest division to join MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions. » Read More

Lean Leadership Underway in Chesterfield

Lean Leadership was developed in 2014 in Mundelein, Illinois to support leaders in their role of facilitating 5-S and PDCA. The Lean Leadership curriculum has reached another MFCS facility, Chesterfield, Michigan. During six one-day classroom sessions, the management team at Chesterfield is learning the profound meaning of each of the five S's and gaining a deep understanding about how to facilitate PDCA problem solving. » Read More

Continuous Improvement in Action at Metform

Material handlers often comment that they have to spend several minutes at the beginning of their shift searching for a forklift. When they find a forklift, it isn't in any particular location and is sometimes in use. A team decided to take this on as their PDCA project and looked at spaghetti diagrams of the forklifts to identify the most frequented locations and paths taken. They identified times when most searching was taking place. » Read More

New Machinery for Corrosion Resistant Splice at Trenton

At MacLean Power, 2014 was a banner year for the Corrosion Resistant Splice (known as the CRS splice) with sales more than double the prior year. The design of the CRS splice addresses two major concerns of utilities: ensuring proper insertion of the conductor into the splice and improved reliability through increased corrosion resistance. Utilities have recognized the benefits of the CRS splice and have become large users. » Read More

Engineered Plastics Company Expresses the Lean Journey

2014 turned out to be a great year at Engineered Plastics Company, Whitewater, Wisconsin. Whitewater's first Lean Basic class was held in July supporting three projects focused in a new assembly cell and the shipping department. Numerous Kaizen events were held, sustaining significant improvements to a product line, plant visual standards, material handling, and overall plant aesthetics. » Read More

Dulhunty Transmission Products Introduced in the American Market

When MacLean Power Systems acquired Dulhunty Power Systems in 2012, there were several items that Dulhunty produced for their market that MPS did not offer in the United States market. Products, such as formed wire, were implemented shortly after acquiring Dulhunty. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems Launches Copper Ground Rods

MacLean Power Systems is now launching copper ground rods as an addition to their grounding product line that has a proven history in the industry. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Continues the Journey: Environmental, Health, & Safety

Beginning in 2015, the MFCS Safety Steering Team changed its name to the Environmental, Health, & Safety (EHS) Steering Team. This name change provides a better description of what the team focus will be as MFCS moves into 2015 and beyond. » Read More

MFCS Mundelein Visited by Lake County, Illinois High Schools' Technology Campus

In early January 2015, the MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Mundelein facility hosted a class from Lake County High Schools' Technology Campus (Tech Campus). » Read More

United States Senator Johnson Visits Engineered Plastics Company, Wisconsin

Ron Johnson, United States Senator, Wisconsin, visited Engineered Plastics Company's Whitewater plant on October 6th, 2014 as part of his tour to recognize Wisconsin Manufacturing Month. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems York Produces 550kV Hollow Core Insulator

MPS York's first 550kV hollow core insulator was successfully manufactured in the fall of 2014. This 1300 pound, 17-foot long insulator was the result of a three year product development and manufacturing technology journey. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems Addresses Storm Hardening and Fiberglass Product Demand

After a slew of severe storms across the country in recent years, most notably Super Storm Sandy along the east coast in 2012, many utilities are engaging in what is commonly referred to as storm hardening upgrades to their systems. » Read More

MFCS Sponsoring Five Michigan Tech Capstone Design Projects

Five MFCS facilities are sponsoring senior design projects at Michigan Technological University (MTU). The projects are part of the Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics Senior Capstone Design Program. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems' Growing Fiberglass Crossarm Product Line

In 2014, the MPS fiberglass crossarm product line released new product features, such as the brown color option, and new mounting bases, was featured at the IEEE show in Chicago, began expansion into new international markets and new customers, had another consecutive record breaking sales year, and is now looking forward to more product line additions. » Read More

MacLean Maynard Wins General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award Three Years in a Row

In the fall of 2014, MacLean Maynard was a member of a select group of suppliers to General Motors to win the 2014 Supplier Quality Excellence Award. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions to Sponsor 2015 Michigan Formula SAE

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) is excited to announce its Silver sponsorship of the 2015 Michigan Formula SAE® Collegiate Design Competition. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Welcomes MacLean Curtis to the MFCS Engineered Components Group

On November 3, 2014, MFCS completed the acquisition of the automotive division assets of Curtis Screw Company in Buffalo, New York and Cornelius, North Carolina. » Read More

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) Stand-Down for Safety

A Stand-Down for Safety is a facility-wide meeting that occurs during each shift of operation focused on communicating critical safety information and increasing awareness of safety risks. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Attends 2014 CIGRE Conference in Paris

Every two years, the CIGRE Association International (Council on Large Electric Systems) holds its session in Paris from August 25th to August 29th. In 2014, CIGRE welcomed 8,500 trade attendees from 84 countries including 3,300 delegates who participated in the daily conferences and technical meetings. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Announces New Molded 2.5" Line Post

MacLean Power Systems has added new state-of-the-art injection molding equipment to improve efficiency and capacity of the MPS molded 2.5" line post product line. Injection molded insulators have been and will remain the MPS standard product offering for voltage applications 46kV - 230kV. » Read More

A Historical Glimpse of Electrical Insulators

Electrical insulators are very important parts of sub-stations and distribution and transmission lines within the electric power system. In the early days, insulators were made of ceramic and glass materials. In 1963, the first non-ceramic materials were used for insulation and the very first polymer insulators were developed to improve performance where ceramics did not perform well. » Read More

MFCS-Royal Oak Awards Scholarships to Local Students

Since 1999, MFCS-Royal Oak’s first year with MacLean-Fogg, the Royal Oak plant has been awarding scholarships to students at Royal Oak High School (formerly Kimball High School). » Read More

2014 Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineers

Jason Viers, Quality Engineering, Royal Oak, MI, has been recognized as one of six outstanding young manufacturing engineers for 2014. » Read More

2014 SEE Conference and Trade Show - Orlando, Florida

The annual SEE (Southeastern Electrical Exchange) Conference and Trade Show was held in Orlando, Florida June 25-27. MPS sales and marketing team attendees included the Vice President Sales - Eastern Region, Director of Transmission Sales, Manager Sales and Marketing, and Senior Product Manager. » Read More

MPS Civil Product's Team Visits the Windy City with AIA 2014

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Civil Product's team attended the American Institute of Architects annual convention in Chicago, Illinois June 26-28. Approximately 20,000 architects, representing the United States and numerous other countries, visited McCormick Place convention center. » Read More

Lean Product Launch Underway at MFCS Saegertown

MFCS Saegertown has been awarded a significant cold formed and machined product program with a global vehicle manufacturer. To support this program, a multitude of new CNC cells will be purchased. Each cell consists of a feeder system, CNC, auto gauge, and other equipment. Integration is critical given that a different supplier builds each of these four different types of equipment. » Read More

MacLean Power (MPS) Storm Preparation

When storms strike, it is time for MacLean Power to shine. MPS has consistently outperformed other companies during storms. The ability for MPS to move quickly and efficiently has helped win recognition, secure future business, and maintain great relationships with channel partners. » Read More

MacLean Power (MPS) Expands Insulator Line Through Agreement with Global Insulator Group

Being one of the leading transmission manufacturers in the utility market, MPS is always looking to increase their offering to the utility customer. By increasing the product offering, MPS strengthens their net worth to the customer. To further this trend, MPS signed a strategic supply agreement with Global Insulator Group (GIG), an Estonian-based company. » Read More

Continuous Improvement in MFCS Mundelein: Making a Good Machine Better

Uni-torque locknuts have been part of the MacLean-Fogg family for 60 years. Today, MFCS is benefiting from the pioneers. » Read More

MacLean Power (MPS) Hits a Homerun at 2014 IEEE

The 2014 IEEE PES Transmission & Distribution Conference & Exposition was held in Chicago's McCormick Place Conference Center. There were over 14,000 attendees from 80 countries and 780 exhibitors making this a new show record. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Announces New Brown Crossarms

MacLean Power Systems now offers brown crossarms in addition to its current line of offerings in gray. Shades of gray are currently an industry standard color for fiberglass crossarms. This suits most applications where fiberglass is used, however, some customers prefer a brown color. » Read More

MFCS Royal Oak Celebrates Its First Year Anniversary of Lean Basic with a Record

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Royal Oak is the recognized global leader in the manufacture of decorative capped wheel nuts. In April of 2013, Royal Oak hosted a Lean Basic Class to teach an introduction to lean concepts and tools. Since then, more Lean Basic classes have been taught at Royal Oak. » Read More

MacLean Power Systems (MPS) Invests in Shipment Packaging Protection

In early 2014, MPS made an investment in pallet security tape to improve the way orders shipped via LTL (less than truckload) carriers to customers. After reviewing data and feedback related to shipping issues, it was apparent that many of their issues revolved around shipments being dismantled while in the possession of carriers. » Read More

MFCS Engineered Plastics Company Develops New Generation Automotive Spare Tire Tie Downs

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Engineered Plastics Company began working a year ago with a major North American-based automotive company in brainstorming their next generation Spare Tire Tie Down. » Read More

EPC Division Presented Quality Leadership Award from JCI

Johnson Controls, a global diversified company in the building and automotive industries, honored 15 suppliers at its third annual Supplier Excellence Recognition event on November 15th. » Read More