Detroit Manufacturing Systems, LLC (DMS), a leading contract manufacturer, proudly announces it has entered into an agreement to join together with Android Industries, LLC (Android) and Avancez, LLC (Avancez), two industry experts in complex module assembly, sequencing and related value-added services. The new combined entity, Voltava LLC, (Voltava), will unify the complementary strengths of three established automotive leaders and deliver an enhanced value proposition to its customers through stronger financial capacity and operational scale, to support innovation and long-term profitable growth.

Voltava will be headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and wholly owned by Bruce Smith, who will serve as Chairman and CEO. Kathy Nichols, current CEO of Android and Avancez, will remain part of Voltava’s leadership team in an advisory role.

“The transformational combination of DMS, Android and Avancez represents a significant milestone for all three companies and the customers we serve,” said Smith. “We are bringing together highly complementary businesses and corporate cultures to form a premier, global supplier partner to deliver unparalleled value to our customers worldwide while fostering an environment of collaboration, social responsibility, respect, diversity, accountability and excellence.”

“Additionally, the powerful industrial logic in this transaction strengthens our ability to meet our customers’ needs while creating enhanced value across the new enterprise,” added Nichols. “We’re forming a company with a more resilient supply chain, broader reach, stronger design and manufacturing expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

With deep industry knowledge and experience, Voltava is well-positioned to lead across multiple industries, including:

• Automotive
• Industrial
• E-mobility and micromobility
• Heavy truck
• Government and defense
• Technology
• Tooling & equipment design and manufacturing

Voltava’s combined workforce of approximately 5,400 employees will operate across 20 global locations, including 18 in North America, one in South America and one in Europe. This expanded geographic reach will allow the company to better serve its OEM partners in all global markets.

“We believe in the power and success of Voltava because DMS, Android and Avancez share very similar cultures, safety programs and value systems,” said Smith. “We hold our employees in the highest regard, as they are at the heart of all we do. All three companies were originally founded on core principles of teamwork and respect—and this people-first ethos will remain the cornerstone of our combined workforce moving forward.”

Advisors

Palm Tree Securities, LLC, and CMD Global Partners, LLC, are serving as financial advisors to Detroit Manufacturing Systems, and Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC is serving as legal advisor.

J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC is serving as financial advisor to Android Industries, and Kerr, Russell, and Weber, PLC is serving as legal advisor.

Path to Completion

The transaction is subject to various regulatory reviews including under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act) and the Canadian Competition Act. The acquisition will not be finalized until all necessary consents, clearances, and approvals are obtained.

About DMS

Headquartered in Southwest Detroit, DMS is a leading contract manufacturer specializing in the production of high-quality automotive parts and components. Established to drive innovation and efficiency, the company has annual sales of $1.2 billion and employs 1,200 people, primarily serving major OEMs such as Ford Motor Company and Volvo Trucks. Guided by its core beliefs, DMS prioritizes transparency and proactive engagement with customers and suppliers. Dedicated to environmental stewardship, DMS works to minimize its ecological impact. Learn more at https://www.dmsna.com.

About Android Industries

Android Industries was founded in 1988 as a premier complex module assembler and manager of a global supply chain. As a leader in tooling and equipment design, building and integration, Android operates with a focus on safety, automation, innovation, cost and quality. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Android has more than 1,300 Team Members in 10 facilities and 5 countries around the world. Learn more at https://android-ind.com/.

About Avancez

Founded in 2012 to uniquely serve OEM customer partners, Avancez is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise specializing in sequencing and value add assembly. Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Avancez has over 2,800 Team Members in 9 facilities across the United States and Canada. Learn more at https://avancezassembly.com/.

Together, Android and Avancez reported nearly $570 million in 2024 sales and serve major OEMs including GM, Ford, Stellantis and Toyota.

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The Children’s Center of Wayne County Presents Detroit Manufacturing Systems With Inaugural HERO OF HOPE Award

The Children’s Center of Wayne County is pleased to honor Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS) with an inaugural 2024 Hero of Hope Award. DMS, a contract manufacturing and assembly company based in Detroit, encourages its team members to come together throughout the year to help residents in the surrounding communities through donations and charitable acts.

In 2024, Donna Schultz, Executive Vice President of Business Process Excellence at DMS, and her team coordinated efforts to raise $45,500 for The Children’s Center of Wayne County. Donna holds a place on the Sustainable Funding Committee at The Children’s Center of Wayne County and continues to make significant impact through corporate engagement, volunteer work and personal dedication.

“Donna is a remarkable individual with an unwavering dedication to helping others. Her kindness knows no bounds. Whether she is lending a listening ear, offering guidance, or providing support, Donna’s actions are driven by the genuine compassion that resides in her heart. Her unwavering commitment to serving others makes her a true force for good. She inspires me to follow in her footsteps and spread kindness throughout the world,” stated Bruce Smith, CEO and Chairman of Detroit Manufacturing Systems.

The Children’s Center has been a beacon of hope since 1929. It provides services from licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to over 3,500 children annually experience mental, behavioral, educational, and physical challenges or who may have experienced trauma. They use integrated evidence-based care that helps children overcome their challenges; they examine the barriers these children have at home, in school, or in the community; they empower the children to use their voices and self-advocate once they are outside the comfort of the center’s walls.

“The team at Detroit Manufacturing Systems exemplifies the virtues of courage, resilience, and magnanimity towards those in need. They provide unwavering dedication to elevating the well-being of children, with a specific focus on fostering a better tomorrow for future generations,” stated by  the co -chair of our Sustainable Funding Committee, Tina Ford.

DMS’s support is an ongoing effort. During the Power of Possibilities Breakfast, DMS will receive recognition for the Hero of Hope Award and be acknowledged for their Envision Sponsorship of The Children’s Center. The funds for this program will ensure that children and families are supported with mental and behavioral health resources to heal, grow and thrive.

Detroit Manufacturing Systems continues to participate in ongoing opportunities at The Children’s Center of Wayne County. This past fall, Schultz and other DMS team members once again partook in The Children’s Center’s annual Back-to-School Bazaar, where they purchased backpacks and necessary supplies to learn, grow, and succeed in school and then delivered them.

“I’m excited to support The Children’s Center of Wayne County.  They do such amazing work, and I’m so proud of all of our team members who continue to come together to help support them and work at bettering the community,” stated Schultz.

About Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS)

Detroit Manufacturing Systems (DMS) is a contract manufacturing and assembly company committed to and constantly striving for manufacturing excellence and perfect quality. This is achieved through meticulous mistake-proofing and a culture of continuous improvement. DMS’ GIFTED & RICH fundamental beliefs, management principles, and core values guide the staff in proactively and transparently engaging with customers and suppliers. DMS is also committed to protecting the local and global environment and minimizing the environmental impacts concerning their activities, products, and services. For more information on Detroit Manufacturing Systems visit https://www.dmsna.com/.

About The Children’s Center

Since 1929, The Children’s Center has been helping children and families shape their own futures. Serving nearly 3,500 children and their families each year, our licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists work with children who deal with behavioral, emotional, educational, and physical challenges and may have experienced trauma. We treat the whole child, looking at more than a single issue so we can provide the best, most comprehensive integrated care. We provide best practice and evidence-based care to guide diagnosis and treatment, and help children and families heal, grow, and dream again. To learn more about The Children’s Center, visit www.TheChildrensCenter.com.

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DETROIT, MI & KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, January 9, 2024 – Wireless commercial vehicle charging took a big step forward today with an agreement between Detroit Manufacturing Systems and InductEV.  In the landmark agreement, DMS, a large-scale, U.S.-based assembly provider, will bring its operations, manufacturing, quality by design, and supply chain expertise to InductEV allowing the latter to more quickly scale to meet customer demand.

InductEV is reinventing how electric commercial fleet vehicles charge their batteries by charging on route, using clean renewable electricity. With its wireless induction solution now deployed worldwide and with 18 patents granted and 23 in process, the King of Prussia, PA-based company is the global leader in high-power, high-speed wireless EV charging and AI-software powered energy management.

Under the terms of this agreement, DMS will:

• Manufacture InductEV’s hardware, including in-ground and under-vehicle inductive pads.
• Manage InductEV’s supply chain and procurement.
• Utilize engineering expertise to facilitate high quality, design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Co-develop design optimizations to prepare for a 100-fold increase in production volume.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have a manufacturing partner, known for its high standards and operating rigor, combine forces with our proprietary engineering,” said Barry Libert, Chairman and CEO, InductEV.  “Our complementary areas of expertise will enable us to meet the growing demand from commercial fleet owners and operators, as well as Intermodal facilities and Ports, for our advanced, AI-managed wireless charging solution.”

Among its product offerings, Detroit Manufacturing Systems currently handles manufacturing for the Ford EV F-150 Lightning signaling its expertise in advanced electric vehicle components and systems production.   InductEV’s patented technology is currently being used in locations throughout North America and Europe, including in Washington State, Indianapolis, Martha’s Vineyard, and in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo’s hometown. (Volvo Ventures is an InductEV investor.) The company is poised to announce the largest commitment by a U.S. port facility to its wireless charging technology.

“We recognize and applaud InductEV’s efforts to wirelessly electrify commercial fleets, the biggest contributor in transportation to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide,” added Bruce Smith, Chairman and CEO, Detroit Manufacturing Systems.  “We look forward to bringing our manufacturing, quality and supply chain expertise to this partnership and creating a successful venture that will help reduce this sector’s carbon footprint at a considerable cost savings for all involved.”

InductEV’s proprietary, on-route wireless charging solution shifts EV charging to daytime use of renewables. It reduces the need for large EV batteries, lowering vehicle costs, and eliminates the need for recycling by extending battery life by a factor of 4-8X. Wireless charging also enables the broad deployment of autonomous vehicles.

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Working alongside Imagineers to create thrilling experiences for theme park visitors is just one notch in the belt of an impressive 30-year career that allowed Mike to see the world. Born and raised in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Mike has a diverse work history where his skills have been applied in the agriculture industry for companies like John Deere, New Holland, and Case IH. But It all started with tooling and product design for the automotive industry. At DMS, he has blended these two disciplines into a fulfilling career for the last five years.

Mike’s career path became crystal clear in an industrial shop class he took in middle school. It was the first time he created orthographic drawings that displayed the top, side, and front view of any object. Mike has been hooked on engineering ever since. After graduating from high school, Mike enrolled in Lawrence Institute of Technology and studied engineering for four years. During school, he worked as an engineer full-time at a mold shop. Work demands prevented him from getting his degree, but his experience at the mold shop taught him about tool design. From there, he became a product designer at another company. His career and experiences continued to evolve and span the globe until he eventually returned home to Detroit and was recruited into DMS.

You might wonder why a person with such an impressive and exciting background, who could work anywhere, would choose to work in a build-to-print environment. Mike’s decision to work at DMS comes from his heart and love for his hometown. On the one hand, he gets to leverage his strengths and tap into his passion for injection molding, but it also has a lot to do with DMS’s culture and the fact that we are a part of Detroit’s resurgence.

As a manager, Mike understands that the most successful programs have the most successful teams. He embraces what he calls “good stress,” which is experienced when the work is challenging, and there are problems to solve, and solutions are derived from a great team that works together. Team dynamics are extremely important to achieving successful outcomes, and Mike respects his team and the culture that binds us together.

Mike loves spending time with his tight-knit family outside of work, including his wife of 29 years and his two adult daughters. He enjoys swimming, running, and especially bike riding. Like so many of us throughout Michigan, Mike is passionate about working on his project car – a 1973 Camaro on which he is doing an LS Engine swap and restoration. Mike’s first car was a 1972 Camaro, so this car is a little like taking a drive down memory lane. Once it’s complete, look for Mike in the parking lot at DMS because he can’t wait to drive that ’73 beauty to work.

Thank you, Mike, for sharing a little bit of your incredible story with us and for your hard work and contributions!

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There are few things as magnificent as a Michigan autumn, with many colors emblazoned across our diverse landscape. And the beauty of this season is owed entirely to our states’ rich diversity of foliage. Maple trees are decorated in red, Birch in yellow, and every other earthen color can be found in between. It is truly something to behold.

And it’s not unlike our diversity as a people. Michigan is home to a very diverse population of individuals with ancestors from all around the world, and Detroit is a microcosm of this diversity. Our differences are what make us beautiful. Our combined efforts are what make us successful. And much like how every leaf on every tree plays a role in the splendor of this season, every person contributes to the beauty and uniqueness of humanity.

October is a time of celebration, of hope, of change. This month is shared by several heritage celebrations, including German, Polish, Italian, Filipino, and Hispanic-Americans. It is also breast cancer awareness month, LGBTQ+ history month, national disability employment awareness month, and global diversity month.

Throughout October, we will be sharing content that brings awareness to these celebrations and observations on our social media. We will also be selling breast cancer awareness merchandise to our work family, with the proceeds being donated to Susan G Komen.

The content we will be sharing this month on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter is largely derived from our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team. We truly hope you enjoy it. We also hope you will celebrate our unique human story with us- because it is our diversity that makes us genuinely wonderful.

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Monica is a true champion of our culture- having forged her thirty-five-year career upon a foundation of non-negotiable values and a firm commitment to ethics. Under her guidance, our work-family is empowered to rise to their best, most authentic version of themselves.

Monica’s path to excellence began after she blazed a trail within her own family. She became one of the first women in her family, but certainly not the last, to earn a bachelor’s degree. She graduated from GMI, now Kettering University, with a degree in Industrial Engineering, and went on to earn her MBA from the University of Michigan.

Engineering was traditionally a male-dominated field. As an African American woman, Monica often found herself to be the only female and the only person of color in the room. Under these circumstances, she struggled to have her voice heard, but this difficult experience ignited a passion within her to make a meaningful impact on others. She understands the importance of feeling listened to, appreciated, and accepted- which is just one reason why she became an outstanding leader in the HR career path which eventually followed.

As the CPP at DMS, Monica believes in giving people the benefit of the doubt and treating them the way they want to be treated. But this is only part of what makes her so excellent; it is her compassion and empathy which make her a highly effective leader in the truest sense. There are many examples within our work family of how her department created a positive, meaningful impact on struggling team members, including finding a safe place for an abused woman to reside and buying clothing and food for an employee in a desperate circumstance. Monica is proud to oversee a department that has elevated team members from positions on the assembly line to leadership roles within the organization.

All too often, Human Resources develops a reputation for serving the company and not its people – but with Monica, we serve our people first, and that, in turn, serves our company. This servant’s heart is a gift from both her faith and her parents’ encouragement- things that have shaped her more and are treasured beyond any accolade she has ever earned or will receive in the future. She believes God opened the door for her to serve our work family at Detroit Manufacturing Systems, and she has embraced that opportunity with passion and joy- which she freely gifts to our entire team.

Her father often told her, “You can be anything you want, as long as you are willing to work for it.” And that is the reality that Monica brings to all of us within the organization.

Thank you, Monica, for serving as a beacon of excellence for all of us to follow. You are a shining example of how impactful and effective authentic servant leadership can be, and we are proud to work beside you.

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At DMS, we want to make sure our work family heroes are never overlooked. We celebrate and cherish their exceptionalism and adherence to our company’s purpose and principles. These men and women show up, and they present us all with a shining light to follow. So, we place a spotlight on them in our company newsletter, showcase them on our social media, and award them through our annual All-Star award celebration. Yet ours is a big work family, and we know that not everybody can receive the recognition they deserve. Still, we want you to know that we are grateful for your contributions, and we want to thank you for all that you do.

People are at the heart of everything we do at DMS. Though the pandemic has dispersed much of our workforce, with salary members mainly working from home, and our hourly employees adapting to a new normal, we have never been closer as a work family. This is thanks to the herculean efforts of many- but our IT Department, and our front-line supervisors deserve special recognition. They are working tirelessly to ensure that our operations remain efficient and our team members are taken care of- and they are doing this in the face of immense obstacles. Yet, they consistently rise to the challenge. For that we are grateful.

In honor of our work family, we recently redefined our purpose statement to reflect our strengthened bonds: We are creating a culture of service. We empower others to grow, rise, and give back -accelerating positive change in the world.

We will continue to uphold and celebrate our heroes while simultaneously working to be a beacon for our customers and our communities. Thank you to all who work with us and continue to help us be our best. Thank you to our customers and friends for your patience and support in these unusual times. And thank you to our communities. We are proud to serve you all.

Please stay safe.

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