We believe in Community Service.
Culture & Community
We are aware of our social responsibility in the global marketplace we serve. We adhere to principals that protect the wellbeing of our employees and enable us to give back to the community.
The future of the communities where we live and work was important to founder George Strumbos and is very much still part of the company’s fabric. What we do to help our youth today will have an impact on their success tomorrow. That is why we participate in National Manufacturing day where kids tour our facilities and learn about the possibilities of a career in manufacturing.
We also support our schools with Backpacks, Crayola Crayons, 3D printers and other needed materials, because we believe knowledge is power. And our management and engineers are the biggest kids when we host the Co2 Car Races in our facility.
We salute our military and first responders who unselfishly put themselves in harm’s way, everyday so we can live and work safe. We reach out to all generations of our community from our youth to our seniors. We are not only building a business in the community, we are very much part of it.
News & Recent Press Releases
Clarenceville Senior wins the LITES Scholarship funded by AlphaUSA
Alyssa Kellaway, as senior at Clarenceville High School won a scholarship for $6,000 a year for five years. She plans on studying Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mathematics at Kettering University.
She received the award after she entered the LITES program (Lives Improve Through Engineering & Science) for junior girls. “My engineering teacher and my old assistant principal helped me get into this program,” she noted.
Raffling off a Motorcycle for the Livonia First Responder Foundation
AlphaUSA’s own Jesse Jagodzinski was the lucky winner of a new 2015 Yamaha V Star motorcycle. He held one of the 500 tickets sold to raise money for the newly formed 501 (3), the Livonia First Responder Foundation.
The motorcycle raffle took place at Livonia’s Nehasil Memorial Park.
“This Park is one of the underrealized gems of our community,” said Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “This raffle is another example of the spirit of Livonia.
A Message of Kindness
The AlphaUSA team gathered for another company BBQ, this time it was to kick of the 4th of July Holiday and to promote a specific message. Cate Strumbos, chairman of the board and AlphaUSA family member along with company leaders unveiled a T-shirt to share a message of kindness. “Be Kind has been adopted as the slogan for the City of Livonia thanks to Bill Joyner from Friday Musings who is really promoting the slogan,” said Cate Strumbos. “It’s an important message and it is one our company has been sharing all year long.”
With a break in the humidity, Chuck Dardas and team were able to grill up some burgers and hot dogs for a 4th of July weekend kickoff Barbecue.
Enjoying an Employee Picnic to kick off Memorial Day Weekend
It has been a tough year for the country. The AlphaUSA team stepped up to the challenge by forging ahead through the pandemic. As the country moves past the COVID-19 crisis, the Livonia-based manufacturing company celebrated the unofficial start of the summer season with an outdoor picnic and BBQ on the Thursday before Memorial Day.
“It’s fantastic to be out here, doing something together. It’s been quite a year; I know that is really an understatement,” said David Lawrence, Exec. VP, Chief Administrative Officer, speaking to the employees at the picnic. You all did such hard work this year and that’s why we are able to be out here to celebrate.”
Livonia Kids and Families Logo Design winner picks the winning ticket for the Livonia Symphony Orchestra Guitar Raffle
Amber Lee Vlasblom, a senior at Clarenceville High School pulled the lucky ticket at the Livonia Symphony Orchestra Custom Alembic Bass Guitar Raffle held on December 5th.
“It is really exciting to be here,” she said before the winning ticket was drawn at the Livonia Chamber of Commerce building.
“It’s is music lovers dream gift,” said Emily Bauman, Board Member and Raffle Chair. “We were happy to have one of our own talented students pick the winning raffle ticket.
Boy Scout Troop Unveil New Trailer to the Community
On August 10, Boy Scout Troop 732 unveiled their new trailer to the Livonia community at Bicentennial Park.
“We are showing off our new trailer with the new equipment that was all donated,” said Brenden Kornacki, troop member going into the 7th grade this fall. “We are showing it off to the community and the businesses that donated the trailer and all the equipment inside. It is amazing that all these people donated to us.”
AlphaUSA helps Livonia Kids and Families provide computers for Clarenceville Schools
Livonia Kids and Families have raised $52,000 to purchase upgraded computers for teachers at the Clarenceville School District in Livonia, which is one of the oldest school districts in Michigan, opening in 1837. The current Chromebooks that the teachers are using will be repurposed and reconfigured to give them to the students.
Middle School students in Wayne County competed for the top spots in the 2020 Young Inventors Award Program.
Dan West, president and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce started the night out quoting Thomas Edison who once said, “to invent you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”
The annual Young Inventors Showcase featured the creativity and ingenuity of Middle School students in Wayne County. This year’s event took place the day before the National Kid Inventors’ Day, which is on January 17th, the birth anniversary of Benjamin Franklin, who invented the first swim flippers almost 300 years ago at age 12. This day is to acknowledge past and present accomplishments of kid inventors and to encourage the creativity of future kid inventors
Senator Peters holds a Town Hall Meeting at AlphaUSA
December 2019
He first visited AlphaUSA in 2014. He made his second stop December 2019. AlphaUSA Vice President, David Lawrence introduced Senator Gary Peters. “We are delighted the Senator has returned to AlphaUSA for another visit to share with us about his work and his challenges in Washington and to hear from us about modern-day manufacturing and how it plays an important role in Michigan’s industry and the state’s economy,” said Lawrence.
Dedicated and Driven: AlphaUSA’s Shelly McMahon
November 2019
Today, she is the Vice President for Material Management but that was not the position Shelly McMahon first hired in at AlphaUSA. She has had a long-history as a dedicated employee and hard worker.
She has been employed with AlphaUSA for more than 19 years and “I have loved just about every moment,” she said. “Alpha is truly a family company and a great one to work for. This company has offered me many opportunities.”
Honored as the Best in MichBusiness
AlphaUSA was recognized at the Best of MichBusiness event, which honors success at what is called “the most exciting, connected business awards and networking opportunity in the State of Michigan.” The Best of MichBusiness Awards Program is committed to recognizing companies and individuals that make Michigan a topnotch place to do business.
The event consisted of more than 100 honorees representing the most elite, unique, innovative, and successful companies in Michigan bringing together more than 300 people together to cheer them on.
Kicking off annual Young Inventors Program
November 2019
The 2019 Young Inventors program kicked off last month with a series of events designed to inspire students about careers in manufacturing with presenters who are inventors and experts in the theme of “making things.”
Speakers visited students at schools throughout the Wayne/Westland, Livonia, Clarenceville, Northville, and Garden City school districts.
AlphaUSA Welcomes PMA
October 10, 2019
AlphaUSA opened its doors on October 10 for about 20 representatives from the Eastern Michigan Precision Metal Forming Association. (PMA) for a presentation and tour of our advanced manufacturing facility.
PMA arranges plant tours for its members periodically throughout the year. “By doing this, it gives members a chance to view and experience other metal-formers,” said Shelly McMahon, AlphaUSA’s Vice President of Material Management. “
The Vietnam Moving Wall – Honoring those who served
October 9, 2019
Dozens of sponsors, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of visitors served to make the Vietnam Moving Wall exhibit in Livonia an impactful event. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the memorial wall placed on the National Mall in Washington, D. C., and it was on display at Livonia’s Ford Field Park this past August.
The many sponsors who supported the traveling exhibit. were recognized on Saturday October 5, 2019 with a framed collage of the event.
AlphaUSA Opens its doors for Manufacturing Day
Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern-day manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers and community Leaders.
AlphaUSA is one such company.
On October 4, students from Emerson Middle School in Livonia started their morning out at the AlphaUSA East Facility making rounds to get a glimpse of manufacturing today.
Inducted in Livonia’s City Hall of Fame
In its 15th Year of honoring Livonians for their contributions in education, the arts, civil rights, healthcare, business, law, sports, government, volunteerism and history, AlphaUSA’s President and CEO Chuck Dardas was inducted in the 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame.
Richard William (Bill) Joyner – founder of 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame and Friday’s Musings – introduced Chuck the night he was honored at the Historic Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church in Livonia. Joyner explained – in part – that leadership focuses on much more than personal ambition and that Chuck embodies all things good in a leader.
Focusing on Skilled Workers and Industry Changes
The Seventh Annual Western Wayne Business Leaders Banquet attracted 450 attendees
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce hosted their seventh annual Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet on Monday, September 30. This year’s event was hosted at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
The annual leadership banquet featured the Vice President of Consumers Energy, Roger Curtis and the President and CEO of Goodwill Detroit, Dan Varner.
An Extravaganza of Culinary Creations
Chefs and bakers from a variety of restaurants and pastry shops in Metro Detroit served up culinary delicacies at CulEx, the Schoolcraft College Culinary Extravaganza.
It was the 29th CulEx event. Over the years it has evolved to attract 30 sponsors, nearly 800 guests and southeast Michigan’s top restaurants and vendors.
Returning citizens create new lives through Flip the Script
Bobby Hines was released from prison two years ago after serving 28 years for his involvement in a drug-related crimes when he was a teenager.
At age 43, he re-entered society and rebuilt his life through Flip the Script, a program that taught him to be a welder, giving him tools to reenter the workforce.
He said he learned to be forever contrite for the impact of his crime as he strives to be productive in his second chance. Today, he is successful at his job, owns a home, and has money in the bank.
A summer picnic for our seniors
With AlphaUSA staff working the food line, seniors at the Livonia Senior Center were served up plates of summer grill and picnic dishes. It’s all part of the company’s ongoing community outreach efforts. “Giving back has been part of the company’s DNA for so long,” said Cate Strumbos, family owner of AlphaUSA. “It’s just as important as the work we do – we manufacture.”
The AlphaUSA team has not only built relationships with residents but has established ongoing relationships within the business community.
A wall of inspiration
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., was powerfully displayed in Livonia this summer. It immortalizes the names of the 58,313 men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. For people around the country to experience the memorial’s powerful display up close, the Moving Wall travels the country.
The traveling display is a half-size replica of D.C.’s memorial wall, and it was stationed at Ford Field Park from Aug. 8-12, 2019. The city of Livonia partnered with veteran groups and enlisted the help of Livonia AM Rotary member Joanna Hardesty to make the weekend special. “Joanna is a big part of why we got involved,” said Chuck Dardas,” president and CEO of AlphaUSA. “She is amazing and dedicated to the community.”
Engaging Seniors through books
Another book club discussion was led by Chuck Dardas of AlphaUSA and Bill Joyner, publisher of Friday Musing at the Livonia Civic Park Senior Center. The group read and discussed a book on four past presidents. Each book club member had a copy of Leadership in Turbulent Times by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. The 368-page book was discussed over two book club sessions.
The lively conversation included commentary about the Transformational Leader Abraham Lincoln, the Crisis Leader Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, the Turnaround Leader Franklin Roosevelt and the Visionary Leader Lyndon B. Johnson.
Representative Laurie Pohutsky visits AlphaUSA
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky is serving her first term representing the 19th House District, which encompasses the majority of the city of Livonia. She is a long-time activist and volunteer. After college, Pohutsky worked in the fields of food safety, toxicology and health care. She brings this knowledge, along with her experience in water quality testing, with her to the Michigan House of Representatives. She has a deep commitment to bringing a scientific perspective to government and advocating for environmental causes. She visited AlphaUSA in June of 2019 to take a tour of the plant and find out more about the manufacturing industry in her district.
Senator Dayna Polehanki visits AlphaUSA
As a resident of Livonia, Senator Dayna Polehanki always had an interest in manufacturing. “I often drive by these buildings in the Livonia and wonder what goes on inside,” she said. “I heard great things about Alpha from my Chief of Staff who is a Livonia School Board Member. He is well aware of AlphaUSA’s philanthropy. He said this company is one of the premier companies when it comes to working with the schools and the community.”
Dayna Polehanki is a 16-year public school teacher and small business owner and is serving her first term in the 7th District.
Delving into Diversity and Inclusion
AlphaUSA proudly sponsored the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Seminar hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and held at Schoolcraft College VistaTech Center.
The event took place on May 1, 2019.
“It is not easy to look at ourselves and identify shortcomings, but this session seemed to bring constructive enthusiasm to the discussion,” said Dan West, president and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “We hope those who joined us were inspired to make the needed changes to build inclusive workplaces. As more people feel understood at work, this leads to increased productivity.”
Supporting local groups at the annual Livonia Business Expo
AlphaUSA proudly supported the Livonia Business Expo on May 10, 2019. This annual event is hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
“This event gives businesses of all sizes a chance to connect with people and promote their goods and services to the people walking throughout Laurel Park Place,” said Dan West, president and CEO.
AlphaUSA partnered with other organizations including the Livonia Symphony and Seedlings to promote their missions and highlight the wonderful work they do for the community.
Food pantry inside Livonia school now helps families across the district
Lori Higgins, Detroit Free Press
It was an opportunity for educators not only to get a first-hand look at today’s manufacturing but find ways to partner with businesses when teaching new skills to students. “We can collaborate with companies like AlphaUSA by giving students an opportunity to see real manufacturing and students and staff learning from experts in the industry from a real-life perspective, not just academic,” said Kevin Lane, principal…
Educators getting a look at today’s manufacturing
It was an opportunity for educators not only to get a first-hand look at today’s manufacturing but find ways to partner with businesses when teaching new skills to students. “We can collaborate with companies like AlphaUSA by giving students an opportunity to see real manufacturing and students and staff learning from experts in the industry from a real-life perspective, not just academic,” said Kevin Lane, principal Starkweather Academy and Shared Time Plymouth Canton Community Schools. “This will be a great addition to our established relationship with Schoolcraft College to add emphasis on the CTE career paths.”
Rethinking the future of Education
Alpha’s own Chuck Dardas offers insights on the importance of working to learn
More than 300 people came together on Thursday, February 7 for the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s event centered around the topic of rethinking the future of education and work in the state of Michigan. Presented by “acclaimed futurist” Heather McGowan, the event featured a panel of industry professionals.
Our very own CEO, Chuck Dardas, was joined by the following panelists: Michael Davenport, CEO of Trilology Security Inc., Robert Leadley, Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development at Schoolcraft College, and Kimberly Keaton Williams, the Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Development at McLaren Health Care.
Let’s have lunch!
A couple of times during the year AlphaUSA hosts lunches for their employees. It’s all part of the effort to create a family environment within the company. A team serves hot dogs, hamburgers and some side dishes to the staff. They also host such lunches around the community. AlphaUSA also hosted a Chillin’ & Grillin’ party at the Livonia Senior Center which featured Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, chips, watermelon, lemonade and ice cream; the ice cream is being provided by the 16th district court. There were 175 seniors along with some AlphaUSA staff and volunteers the one in 2018. “We host these staff lunches and similar ones at the Police and Fire events in a community-based spirit,” said Chuck Dardas, president and CEO. “Simply put, WE LOVE LIVONIA! And, we want to give back to the senior community and our staff. We also want to thank our beloved first responders who risk their lives every day for us.”
The AlphaUSA Book Club
Since July 2013, Chuck Dardas, president and CEO of AlphaUSA, has been hosting book club groups at the Senior Center in Livonia. The club meets about six times a year to discuss the latest book Chuck buys for the entire group. What started out with a dozen readers is now up to more than 50 participants. In March of 2019, the group met to discuss a fictional book based on a true story that took place during the Holocaust. Lilac Girls was written by Martha Hall Kelly. Readers contributed their opinions about the book. Chuck also engaged the group in a discussion about history along with content about the book.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it but I thought it was a good read especially for those who don’t believe that concentration camps existed,” said one woman with Polish and German heritage.
“I thought it was quite enlightening that it wasn’t just Jewish people murdered in the war; there were non-Jewish Polish people killed. I visited Auschwitz twice,” said a Polish American.
Eighth Annual Young Inventors program looks for the next big invention
Livonia, MI (January 15, 2019) — Middle School students in Wayne County are vying for top spots in the Young Inventors Award Program.
Top finalists will be acknowledged on Thursday January 17 at 6:30 p.m. A team of judges reviewed each project and picked the top two winners from each school and top three overall. The judges included five team members from Alpha USA.
“We want to inspire young talent to pursue careers in STEM areas,” said Chuck Dardas, president and CEO of Alpha USA. “There is so much opportunity in manufacturing and engaging talent at a young age is important in career development. This year we invited a Patent Attorney to join the event and review the inventions for possible opportunities.”
Young Inventors Program Kicks Off Week Of Events
Livonia, MI – The Young Inventors program kicked off with a week of events designed to be sessions of inspirational messages about the program. A number of speakers visited students at schools throughout Wayne/Westland, Livonia, Clarenceville, and Garden City where they discussed cars, inventions, and creativity.
The Young Inventors program is a collaborative effort with AlphaUSA, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, Schoolcraft College, and the Wayne/Westland, Livonia, Clarenceville, and Garden City school districts.
Suppliers dig deep efficiency
Dustin Walsh, Crain’s Detroit
The family-owned supplier installed data collection terminals at its reorganized workstations late last year in an attempt to streamline production and find new ways to manage increased capacity without adding physical floor space or machines.
The North American automotive industry is preparing for 32 new and remodeled vehicle launches in 2014. In response, the supply base is finding ways to collect and analyze “big data” to improve product planning, streamline development and meet the industry’s aggressive launch schedules over the next three years.
READ MORE
or
Please call 734-523-1000