- Miniature Precision Components Inc., MPC, was named one of 60 “Cool Places to Work” in Michigan in a first-of-its-kind competition jointly held by Crain’s Detroit Business and the Grand Rapids Business Journal. MPC and the other 59 companies appear in the August 29, 2005 editions of both publications.

Selection was based both on employee nominations and on numerical scores on a survey created by Southfield-based American Society of Employers. The “cool places” competition garnered nominations from employees who were asked to succinctly state why they liked working for their employer. Statewide, 285 companies were nominated, and executives at 205 completed an exhaustive on-line survey to provide an objective benchmark of how companies handled work/life initiatives, talent management, organizational communication, total rewards, corporate citizenship and leadership, work environment and recruitment activities

The 60 companies have “created work environments that attract and retain quality workers, especially younger workers,” Crain’s Publisher Mary Kramer said. “It’s very clear that employees prize a workplace that recognizes a balance between ‘work’ and ‘life,’ as well as one that offers training and opportunities to advance.”

“One of the things we saw a lot was an emphasis on work/life. Companies are realizing that there’s got to be a better balance. The good companies are leading on these types of features,” Marrs said.

MPC employees at the Automotive Sales & Technical Center in Southfield, Michigan, provided the following responses when asked to list up to three specific things about the Company that make it a great place to work: (1) MPC has a family-friendly environment, (2) MPC offers unique perks that encourage team building, and (3) MPC has friendly, approachable colleagues and management.

“Cool places” competition results showed that a thank-you note from an executive, an afternoon off with pay, a show of concern when a relative is ill, and trips, picnics and parties to recognize quality work are valued by employees.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth also promoted the competition to support Gov. Granholm’s “Cool Cities” initiatives.

The two business publications will host an awards luncheon September 15, 2005, in Detroit to honor the companies, featuring Michigan’s First Gentleman, Daniel Granholm Mulhern.

MPC is a leading manufacturer of plastic components and assemblies for the automotive industry. The company was founded by Jay Brost in 1972. MPC was launched with an innovative, patented plastic check valve, which saved customers a significant amount of money. The Company continues to provide its customers innovation, service, speed, low cost, and world-class quality and delivery.

MPC is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin. Sales reached $167 million in 2004. The Company has realized consistent double-digit growth for over 10 years. MPC remains privately held and has approximately 1,600 employees. Sales offices are in Southfield, Michigan and Walworth, Wisconsin. MPC has five manufacturing facilities located in Wisconsin and Sonora, Mexico.