MILTON MANUFACTURING…
“greening” the way with urban farming

By Juana on April 12, 2010

milton-garden

"Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization." - Daniel Webster

Many companies are making efforts to convert their operations with environmentally responsible work practices to deliver environmentally-friendly products. This strategy is often referred to as “greening,” and it involves efforts such as reusability, recycling, reduction of environmental hazards, energy efficiency, and responsible manufacturing practices.

At MILTON MANUFACTURING, we have taken those “greening” efforts a step further. MILTON owns vacant properties that were once the site of derelict homes and we are converting those lands into a “community greenbelt.” Last year, we had a very bountiful food harvest and flower garden from these parcels of land; and our expectations are mounting as we prepare to plant our “crops” again this year.

Detroit Mayor Bing and his administration are currently working on a plan to align the city’s geography with its ability to deliver services, and urban farming can be a key component of putting the city’s vacant land into productive use, according to Albert Fields, group executive for planning for the City of Detroit,

“We’re in the process of looking at the city of Detroit and getting it ready for the future – How do we align our resources? How do we align our land policy? And, how do we put those things in place that get us ready when we return from this economic downturn and get into a better position to grow?” Fields went on to say, “The City is working to develop an entrepreneur-friendly system to encourage commercial farm growth in Detroit.”

The city has about 30,000 acres that are vacant or the site of derelict properties, which amounts to about 200,000 parcels.

With all the recent talk of urban farming, one would think that the idea is a new one — but it is not. “Victory gardens” of fruit, vegetables, and herbs sprouted in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) during World Wars I and II. Citizens in these communities participated in local, urban farming to help ease the pressure on food production volumes aimed to support our military during the war effort.

Facts on Urban Farming:

Social:

  • Urban Agriculture can help to improve the livelihood of people living in and around cities.
  • 800 million people are involved in urban agriculture worldwide and contribute to feeding urban residents.
  • It took humans 10,000 years to learn how to grow most of the crops we now take for granted.
  • 50% of the world’s population lives in cities.
  • By the year 2050, nearly 80% of the earth’s population will reside in urban centers.

Benefits:

  • Urban agriculture results in an increase in entrepreneurial activities and the creation of job opportunities, as well as in the reduction of food costs and an increase in products of better quality.
  • Urban agriculture provides an important opportunity for women to be a part of the informal economy of a city because farming and selling activities can be combined more easily with household tasks and child care.
  • Citizens are transformed from being not only consumers of food to generators of agricultural products with improved health and lowered poverty levels.

MILTON’s gardens are open to our neighboring community. The fact that low-income urban dwellers spend between 40% and 60% of their income on food each year… is reason enough for MILTON to assist our neighbors. The community has shown respect for our efforts by contributing to the upkeep of the gardens.

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MILTON and Focus HOPE
working together in Detroit

By Juana on April 5, 2010

g_FH-logoMILTON MANUFACTURING has forged an educational and working relationship with the nationally-recognized civil and human rights organization, Focus:HOPE.

In 1968, Father William Cunningham (1930-1997) and Eleanor Josaitis co-founded Focus:HOPE, an organization “dedicated to intelligent and practical solutions to the problems of hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness.” Together, Cunningham and Josaitis adopted the following mission:

Recognizing the dignity and beauty of every person, we pledge intelligent and practical action to overcome racism, poverty and injustice. And to build a metropolitan community where all people may live in freedom, harmony, trust and affection. Black and white, yellow, brown and red from Detroit and its suburbs of every economic status, national origin and religious persuasion we join in this covenant. —Adopted March 8, 1968

Since its modest beginnings more than 40 years ago, Focus:HOPE has grown to become a well-known and respected organization, diligently working to bridge the economic and racial disparities in southeast Michigan through its food distribution program, career training programs, and HOPE Village Initiative.

In the early 1980s, Focus:HOPE launched its Machinist Training Institute (MTI) and soon after developed a manufacturing operation through which FH became a supplier to the automotive industry. The Machinist Training Institute is housed in the former Ex-Cell-O plant facility. Upon completion of the Machinist Training Institute, students are provided with job placement services with manufacturing companies throughout southeast Michigan.

In the early 1990s, FH opened the Center for Advanced Technologies in a former Ford industrial engine plant. The CAT offers its students an innovative college degree program (associate, bachelor and master degrees) in partnership with various university and business partners. Furthermore, FH offers skills in information and computer technology, as well as cultural appreciation in music, art, photography and writing.

MILTON MANUFACTURING is proud to work with Focus:HOPE to hire FH students living in federally-designated HUB Zones of Detroit.

Our Human Resources Manager is working with a FH team that consists of the Placement Relations Supervisor, Manager of the Machinist Training Institute, Business Manager, and Student Services Supervisor.

MILTON MANUFACTURING applauds the social services, civil rights, and career training efforts of Focus:HOPE. We are dedicated to training, employing and working within our surrounding community to help improve the great city of Detroit and its residents.

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Customers, we want to hear from you!

By Juana on February 1, 2010

handsRaised-fade-213x166MILTON MANUFACTURING has been a premier supplier of metal fabrications since 1946, and we are excited to have the opportunity to move forward into the future with you as we approach our 65th anniversary in 2011.
In our continuous efforts to provide you with excellent products and quality service, we want to hear from you – our customers.

Look for our upcoming survey
We are currently preparing a short, informative survey that will be available in the near future. Your honest responses will be appreciated in our efforts to improve our services, products, market position, and customer perception.


What’s in it for you?
We promise to keep the survey short because we know that you are very busy. Furthermore, to show our thanks for your participation in the survey, we want to provide you with a quality gift bearing the MILTON MANUFACTURING brand name.

Do come back each week to read our blog for specific details in the near future about the upcoming survey… and gift.


We appreciate your business and support.

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MILTON partners with Detroit Public Schools

By Juana on January 18, 2010

detroit-public-schools-logoMILTON Welcomes LaQuita Wilcher

For more than 60 years, MILTON Manufacturing has focused its attention on providing quality products and services to our customers. We are also proud to serve as a corporate co-op sponsor with the Detroit Public Schools and provide its young people with mentoring from our highly-skilled and talented employees—many of whom have more than 15 years of experience.

We welcomed LaQuita Wilcher, a Detroit Public Schools co-op student, at MILTON in the fall of 2009. This is her story in her own words:

My name is LaQuita Wilcher, and I’m currently a Co-Op student/employee here at MILTON Manufacturing, Inc.  My journey here at MILTON began on Thursday, October 15, 2009. As someone who has always dreamed of having my own office, handling the phones, and satisfying the customer’s needs, I’ve enjoyed every moment.

The first things I learned were the job’s basic requirements, which I picked up swiftly. On October 19, 2009—having spent only four short days as a MILTON employee and not quite having a firm handle on the job—I was scheduled to work alone which, as frightening as it was, taught me to be independent in my approach to problem-solving and to draw from my internal strengths.

I helped those who needed it, and no one was even aware that I was experiencing any uncertainty. In fact, I boldly proclaimed to my manager, “It felt as though I’d been working here all of my days.”

My goal was to find employment in a place where I felt accepted. MILTON is just that place! The staff is very friendly and genuinely helpful at all times, and the environment is peaceful, joyful, and most of all—cheerful! I am not only grateful—but feel blessed to be part of the MILTON family.

It feels wonderful to be part of the MILTON team; and while my journey has only begun, I pledge to put forth my best efforts when completing tasks and taking care of MILTON’S customers. I welcome the responsibility of ensuring that our customers, vendors, clients and guests are made to feel comfortable and welcome.

That being said, I’m really looking forward to completing this journey with both grace and success!

LaQuita, we wish you much success at MILTON and throughout your professional journey.

To all of you, remember to come back every week to the MILTON Monday Morning Blog.

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Happy Holidays from MILTON Manufacturing

By Juana on December 21, 2009

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MILTON Manufacturing will be closed for the holiday break from Wednesday, December 23, 2009 until Monday, January 4, 2010. We extend our heartfelt wishes to all for a happy holiday and a peaceful and prosperous new year!

Look for interesting topics slated for the blog in 2010.

• United States Census 2010 “It’s  In Our Hands,” www.2010census.gov

• MILTON’s Team Members — new and “time-honored”

• MILTON Manufacturing Newsletter

• MILTON’s manufacturing capabilities

We invite you to view the MILTON Capabilities Video. Please join our email list by completing the form in the sidebar at the right.

Thank you for reading the MILTON Manufacturing Monday Morning Blog! Look for the next blog on Monday, January 11, 2010.

MILTON Manufacturing will reopen Tuesday, January 5, 2010. Again, have a safe and wonderful holiday break!

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Lighting the American Way with MILTON Laser Capabilities

By Juana on December 15, 2009

“… rooted in the past … ready for the future… delivering today!”

MILTON Manufacturing impacts the American way of life with its innovative laser capabilities.

MILTON began in a garage in the Motor City in 1946. Its founder, Tom Milton, and many of the men he employed served in the U.S. military; and, upon returning to civilian soil, they sought the American Dream – a wholesome family life. They were educated, hard-working, honest, innovative, and entrepreneurial in spirit. Proudly, MILTON is rooted in a rich and patriotic past because “The American Way” is the foundation of our manufacturing history. We remain proud to continue our efforts of helping our country in its endeavor for an exciting and hopeful future.

big_laser

Mitsubishi ML3015lVP Plus 2 - MILTON is ready for the future with our expanded capacity and laser capabilities.

Today, MILTON Manufacturing delivers parts that assist in protecting and shielding our American soldiers from what is commonly known as “roadside bombings.”

In support of our brave men and women, we design and manufacture steps, storage boxes, radio antenna brackets, DigiracksTM, litter support arms, integrated storage steps, latches, hinges, tie-downs, mirror brackets, tail light boxes, ammo storage trays, light bars, condenser covers and supports, ambulance components, and fenders – all of which are components for our military MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) vehicles.

MILTON is ready for the future with our expanded capacity and capabilities.

MILTON’s latest addition is the Mitsubishi ML3015lVP Plus 2. This innovative laser equipment gives us the flexibility and capacity to produce a repeatable, quality product, as well as the ability to respond quickly to the needs of our customers.

The Mitsubishi laser burns up to one inch of steel at speeds up to 400 inches per minute, as well as up to a half inch thick aluminum and stainless steel material.

Furthermore, the laser burns with shop-supplied compressed air and Nitrogen providing the parts with improved paint adhesion.

As we move into 2010, MILTON continues to protect our U. S. soldiers. We pray all return home safely to continue their pursuit to seek the American Dream – a strong wholesome family, hard-working honest values, with an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit!

MILTON – by way of the “light of the laser” – produces for and salutes our troops!

MILTON Manufacturing… rooted in the past… ready for the future… delivering today!

God bless our soldiers and God bless America

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Mother Earth…
A MILTON Environmental Priority

By Juana on December 7, 2009

rubbish bin

Milton employee response to the cell phone campaign has been outstanding. President and CEO Jim Green said, “Never would have guessed. Goes to show…we can make a difference.”

Modern technology owes ecology an apology.

– Alan M. Eddison

MILTON Manufacturing promotes responsible manufacturing processes and recycling practices to protect Mother Earth’s environment and resources. Furthermore, MILTON’s conscious efforts to promote care, respect and giving back to the Earth are also shared by its caring employees.

In this “season of giving,” MILTON hosted a campaign for the recycling of personal cell phones. Employees were encouraged to donate all old cell phones that they and their family members no longer need.

The employee response to the cell phone campaign has been outstanding. President and CEO Jim Green said, “Never would have guessed. Goes to show…we can make a difference.”

Our first shipment of used cell phones went out this past July. Primarily, the benefits of this program are two-fold:

  • Instead of being discarded in a landfill, the phones will be re-used by their new recipients.
  • MILTON Manufacturing issued a charitable donation to the Salvation Army.

Environmental Engineer Neil V. said, “This was just one small way in which we give back to our community… Furthermore, this program aligned with our commitment to making the environment a cleaner, better place.”

“And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use.

“And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: Look at this God-awful mess’” — Art Buchwald, columnist for The Washington Post

In light of the initial success of the program, the cell phone reuse collection boxes will remain at their current locations until Friday, December 18. Therefore, during this season of giving, if you still own an old cell phone that you no longer use, there is still time to donate it to this charitable cause.

If you are not a MILTON employee and would like to obtain information on how you too can join MILTON Manufacturing in being environmentally responsible visit the following site. http://www.pacebutler.com

Your old cell phone could help to make the life of a less fortunate person a little brighter – and MILTON Manufacturing and our dear Mother Earth say: Thanks to all who have and will participate in this wonderful campaign of sharing with others and caring about the environment!

“I’m not an environmentalist. I’m an Earth warrior.”

– Darryl Cherney, noted environmentalist and musician

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MILTON’S Hero…
The Inspirational Story of Steve B.

By Juana on November 29, 2009

Super SteveMILTON’S Hero… the Inspirational Story of Steve B., MILTON’s Manufacturing Manager

BREAKING NEWS…. The making of a MILTON hero…in his own words! Allow us to interrupt the regularly scheduled MILTON Monday Morning Blog to present the story of our own Steve B. The very capable manufacturing manager here at MILTON by day…and the super hero who assisted with the recent police story of: The Madison Heights Woman Who Escaped from the Trunk of Her Abandoned Car in Detroit. The story, which broke November 10, 2009, as a WDIV Channel 4 Evening News story and November 11, 2009, in the Detroit Free Press, and most recently as a Macomb Daily News item, is yet another heart-wrenching story with the Motor City as its backdrop!

Learn first about the man who helped the young woman by thinking of her as one of his own four daughters and how he would hope, that if one of them were in dire need such as this young woman, someone pure of heart would reach out and help! Just as he did, by first inviting the young woman, found walking across the Canadian National Railroad tracks, a safe haven inside of MILTON and then listening to her harrowing story of being choked to the point of unconsciousness and left for dead then abducted and placed in the truck of her own 1998 Chevrolet Lumina and driven to the vicinity of I-75 & Seven Mile Road. The young woman regained consciousness and kicked out the back seat of the car to escape and walk to nearby MILTON Manufacturing, Inc…whereby, due to the choking and injuries that she sustained,  according to the Detroit Free Press, she “look(ed) like something out of a horror show.”

According to Steve, his personal story began when…

In 1949, Mrs. Bago had a “darling little boy” that weighed 7 lbs. and 8 oz. and measured 20 inches long. He only had a little hair, but it eventually grew in to be light brown. He was the apple of his Daddy’s eye.

Steve goes on to say, “We were living on Seyburn Street in the lovely city of Detroit. My baptism took place at St. Anthony’s Church near Grand Boulevard and Gratiot Avenue.  When I was two-years-old, we moved to a small 3-bedroom bungalow on Annott Avenue near Hoover and Eight Mile Road. It was a lovely little house in a neighborhood full of World War II veterans. These homes were affordable for the veterans. Growing up on Detroit’s East Side was great. There wasn’t a lot of money, but we didn’t know that we were broke. Our home was full of love, and that made us rich. Mom somehow managed to have a tasty and filling dinner on the table every night. Every Thursday night was special because Dad got paid and brought home a half gallon of ice cream. We all waited in anticipation while the ice cream softened up so Mom could scoop it out without bending the spoon.”

Continuing his story, Steve explains how the “darling little boy” grew into a successful strong and disciplined man who served his country in the Vietnam War and returned to garner an impressive background.

His past experiences include, but are not limited to, serving as a production manufacturing manager for several successful multi-national corporations. Having been a team member of four high-volume, high sales Tier-One automotive suppliers throughout his illustrious manufacturing career, he garnered the experience he demonstrates and utilizes daily at MILTON. Steve has managed more than 1,500 employees and over 3,000 different part numbers throughout his career.

Here at MILTON, he is responsible for our 65 employees and ensures that the properly trained personnel are placed in an environment and position to succeed. From design to shear, laser, press brake, welding, machining, stamping, tumbling, and assembly, he and his team of skilled employees ship a quality part, on time and efficiently to our many diversified customers.

Finally, Steve added, “I was glad to be able to help that young woman in her time of need.”

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