The History Of An Employee Owned Company 1215 S, Lafayette Rd., P.O. Box 310 Greenville, MI 48838 (616) 754-5693—Fax (616) 754-5500—Website: www.gtd.com

62 Years Since August 15, 1946

The Beginning……….. The Greenville Tool & Die Company was formed as a partnership between Charles J. Randall and Vandel Nielsen and opened for business on August 15, 1946. These two men intended to make small tooling for their former employer, Federal Mogul Corporation. They set up shop with several war surplus machines in a 1500 sq. ft. garage on Benton Street in Greenville (now the site of the Catholic Church and directly south across Benton Street from the Public Safety building). Business went well enough in the first year that ten (10) more employees were hired including

The original site of Greenville Tool & Die Company— Benton Street in Greenville, Michigan 1946.

Stanley P. Ash and Ivan W. (Bill) Arntz. Stan was the engineer with the additional responsibility of searching out new business in other markets and geographic areas. In May of 1948, Stan Ash purchased Vandel Nielsen’s interest and became Charlie Randall’s partner. Their product line grew to include some work for the appliance industry. Stan Ash—1949 In 1949, This picture was taken of Stan in back of the old growing onion storage plant at 1215 pains neS. Lafayette Rd. which is cessitated still our site today. a move to

The Early 1950’s……….. In 1951, the company started an apprenticeship tool and die training program under the direction of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, U.S. Dept. of Labor (BAT). Still in effect today, the program has earned the respect of many and in 1994 was recognized with the prestigious Certificate of Meritorious Service by the BAT, an award offered to fewer than one hundred programs annually.

In 1994, Mr. Owen Mayer of the BAT presents president Stan Ash with the Certificate of Meritorious Service.

a 4000 sq. ft. cement block warehouse at 1215 S. Lafayette Road (our present location).

In 1949, the Company was moved to this cement block onion storage building at 1215 S. Lafayette Road.

Destiny would shape the future of the company with Stan and Bill at the helm. Stan would soon become president and owner while Bill would later become his executive vice president. The early 1950’s saw GTD’s scope of work expand to include a considerable amount of aircraft tooling and machine work on parts for a mobile gun carrier. In the early 1950s, GTD began its long and profitable partnership with area high schools and the Coop. Program. On September 1, 1953, the company reorganized as a corporation. By the mid 1950’s, at the urging of friend and customer, R. J. Tower Iron Works, the company purchased its first large boring mill and began shifting emphasis from small appliance tooling to large automotive tooling and stamping dies.

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THE HISTORY OF GREENVILLE TOOL & DIE COMPANY

The 1950’s, 1960’s, to the 1970’s………..

Stan Ash with a Condenser Tube Stretcher made for the former Ranney Refrigerator Company, early 1950’s.

In 1957, GTD further improved its capabilities by purchasing the Grand Rapids Grinding Company. They moved its equipment, and expertise lock, stock, and barrel to our present location. GTD was now able to handle most of its own grinding requirements and also do custom work for other area businesses. In 1956, the company established a profit sharing program which is still in place today. With more sophisticated equipment, more and larger tryout presses, and more experienced personnel, the early 1960’s saw GTD start engineering, designing, and building more intricate and precise dies such as decorative trim, grilles, wheel covers, and structural forms.

In 1966, the 1st Warehouse was built, Avalon Park was purchased, and the company’s newsletter, “The Tool Bits,” was born. In 1967, the first of our (3) 800 ton Danly tryout presses was installed and our capabilities for producing larger and more intricate dies greatly improved with the addition of our first Droop & Rein duplicating mill.

Hubcap Machine

built a guidance unit fixture for Fedders (formerly Ranney Refrigerator) for insulation foam control.

The 1960’s ushered in the start of many plant additions and expansions as Greenville Tool & Die continued to grow. Guidance Unit Fixture

Even though this injection molding machine was purchased in 1968,the company would soon decide that its focus would be on designing and building metal stamping dies rather than molds.

In 1969 the “Grinder Building” is moved to its present day location.

In 1963, Bill Arntz (right) was appointed vice president. In 1965, Stan Ash purchased Charlie Randall’s interest and became sole owner.

cap machine for Dodge automobiles. In the same year, GTD

1970 saw the completion of a plant addition (M-1 & M-2) and an office expansion.

In July 1970, GTD completed a 3-year project working with Kaiser Aluminum and Chrysler on the development of the first production run aluminum hub-

During the late 70’s, there was considerable effort put into the development of tooling for heavy aluminum, particularly bumpers. Special EDM machines were built to notch and pierce bumper reinforcements. A second warehouse was built as well as more assembly space (A-5).

Above, a special EDM machine for aluminum bumper reinforcements. Below, a notch, pierce, and extrude machine for inner roof rails.

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The 1980’s and 1990’s……….. By the 1980’s, the company had already designed and installed roll out bolsters on most of its tryout presses. The next significant event was the installation of our first Computervision CAD station in Engineering. This one station has now grown to more than 25 on two shifts.

Shaving Fixture 1984

In 1984, a special heat staking machine and shaving fixture were designed and built. In 1985, we saw more Class A surface part dies like Dodge and Jeep Wagoneer Grille Surrounds.

Assembly area A-6 was added in 1989 as well as our first CNC wire EDM machine.

In 1981, current CEO, Dale Hartway, works on a design at our 1st Computervision CAD station.

Although the design and manufacture of special machines continued into the 1980’s, another significant event in 1982 was the installation of the first Cincinnati/Milacron (CNC) computernumerical-controlled vertical milling machine. Currently, with as many as 20 of these machines and their connection with CAD design, there is no question that these two areas have made the greatest single impact on our industry, our company and how we design and build dies.

reputation for offering a high quality product and delivering on time. It was designing and building dies for fuel filler housings, roof drip rails, underbodies, gas tank shields, A-Pillar assemblies, wheel covers and hubcaps, grilles, refrigerator/freezer doors, fluorescent light fixtures, radiator supports, front end panels, tailgates, cowl sides, bumpers, sunroofs, oil pans, mufflers, windshield headers, fuel tank brackets, heat and exhaust shields, D-Pillars, window bezels, cross members, prototypes, and so on.

Greenville Tool & Die 1980’s

The following are examples of parts made from the tools and dies being designed and built by GTD during the 1980s:

Charmilles Robofil 400 and 600 CNC Wire EDM machines.

As the 1990’s came, the majority of the dies built were designed in CAD with components and sections programmed and cut on the CNC milling machines.

Greenville Tool & Die late 1990’s.

Large Okuma CNC Vertical Mill

The first jobs to be completely CAD designed and CNC machined were refrigerator/freezer door dies for Greenville Products Co. and a Ford wheel cover. Bill Arntz retired in 1983 and Dale Hartway became Executive Vice President.

1988 saw the addition of our first PC’s to handle invoicing, accounts payable, payroll and our job file. The company developed a

Dies for Class A surface parts along with more customer requirements for progressive and transfer dies pushed GTD toward larger equipment, which would allow the company to design and build larger dies for larger parts. Dies were made for GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Mazda, Haworth, Nissan, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Isuzu, Toyota, and Suburu.

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THE HISTORY OF GREENVILLE TOOL & DIE COMPANY

Finishing Out the 1990’s……. The 1990’s brought significant changes with the continued growth of the company and the addition of more new equipment and additional plant space. 1993 saw GTD accessing the world wide web while in 1994 the 1100 ton Niagara Tryout Press was added. The first large CNC bridge mill came in 1995, an Okuma MCR-16B Pallet Mill. GTD was now uniquely machining all die segments separately, saving in processing time and making it easier and less costly for the customer to replace if necessary.

An overseas shipping container is loaded with dies for Mercedes Benz in Germany, 1997.

Also, in 1997, Stan Ash received a patent for his LIF or Liquid Impact Forming process. In 1998, a Haworth, Inc. TAS chair arm assembly would be made from this process lauded as a significantly cheaper alternative method to the traditional hydroforming of parts. The major reason being that customers could use their existing production presses.

November 1998, the 2000 ton Niagara Tryout Press is installed and ready.

Early 1998 saw the move into a new 28,000 sq. ft. addition, housing a 2000 ton press (8’ wide X 20’ long bed), several large Okuma CNC mills, and assembly and handling capability for large dies. In August 1999, after a lengthy preparation process, GTD received ISO-9001 registration.

Okuma MCR-16B CNC Pallet Changer Mill—1995

Because of its reputation for having an apprenticeship program second to none, GTD received and accepted an invitation to join the prestigious American Apprenticeship Round Table in 1997.

In 1998, a Haworth TAS Chair arm is pulled from an LIF die patented, designed and built by GTD.

Bill Arntz, Stan Ash, Dale Hartway 50th Anniversary 8/15/96

The Twenty-First Century…… The turn of the century presents new challenges as the company postures itself to meet competition in a global market place.

In 2002, after 46 years of service, former vice president and chief engineer, Dale Hartway is appointed president. In July 2003, GTD purchased the former Tomco Tool & Die Company of Belding, Michigan.

Autoform and Pam Stamp Die Simulation software helps shortcut the tryout process.

A Hauser CNC Jig Grinder is added in 2000, dies are produced for Harley Davidson while other dies are shipped to Mexico.

On February 29, 2004, a great one is lost as CEO and long time owner, Stan Ash, passes away after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Dale Hartway

Stan Ash

On February 17, 2005, the employees of Greenville Tool & Die purchased the company from Stan Ash’s Trust and his wife Blanche. Today, Greenville Tool & Die is an employee-owned company (ESOP). Since that time, Dale Larry Caverley Hartway has become CEO while Larry Caverley is President, and Ted Bush is Executive Vice President. The Company plans to continue industry leadership in design Ted Bush and building of high quality metal stamping dies.

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Today……….. Throughout its history, Greenville Tool & Die’s primary market has been automotive. It has designed and built dies to produce parts for almost every automobile company. And, it has established itself as a builder of very high quality stamping dies and delivers them on time.

robust economy have caused the failure of many companies within our industry during the past several years.

wheel covers and hubcaps, grilles, refrigerator/freezer doors, fluorescent light fixtures, radiator supports, front end panels, tailgates, cowl sides, bumpers, sunroofs, oil pans, mufflers, windshield headers, fuel tank brackets, heat and exhaust shields, D-Pillars, window bezels, cross members, and prototypes.

Double Progressive Die to make a Chrysler Front Side Rail Reinforcement.

PT Cruiser sun roof opening and Reinforcement.

Through the years GTD has seen the needs of its customers change as the emphasis today is more and more on cost efficiency dictated by challenges posed by very keen competition in a global economy. Customers are requesting more progressive and transfer type dies as opposed to traditional line dies. Change requires adaptability which has led GTD to add more plant space and larger equipment to handle these physically larger die requirements.

Transfer Die to make a cross member for a Ford Mazda SUV.

Double Progressive Die to make Ford RH and LH rear spring brackets.

There is no question that the advent of the computer has played the most significant role in the changing face of the tool and die industry. Its precision and automation allows highly accurate designs along with the capability to machine die components for A-Pillar assemblies,

Double Transfer Die to make a D-Pillar for a DaimlerChrysler LX Wagon.

Progressive Die to make a steering heat shield on a Ford Mustang.

Transfer Die to make a cross member C-Pillar RH & LH for a DaimlerChrysler Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Robotic Transfer Die to make a Ford F-150 Flareside Tailgate.

Greenville Tool & Die Company 2005

Transfer Dies to make a right and left hand inner windshield frame.

Today’s automotive market place presents many challenges to GTD and the tool and die industry as we move into the 21st century. High quality standards, new materials, special surfaces, extreme competition both domestic and foreign, and a less than

A Community Partner… Greenville Tool & Die Company, under the tutelage of its late president and owner, Stan Ash, has long demonstrated its commitment of partnership with the community. Starting in the early 1950’s, partnering with our area high schools and career centers, the Cooperative Vocation Education Program (Co-op) has become our cornerstone for new employees. Under this program, qualified area high school students work at GTD part time to explore career opportunities within the tool and die trade. More than half of GTD’s present full time employees were originally in the Co-op program for us. To help make these programs work, GTD regularly donates money, people, expertise, equipment and supplies to their educational partners.

THE HISTORY OF GREENVILLE TOOL & DIE COMPANY

would later become long time president of the M.C.C. Foundation. In 1960, the Stanley and Blanche Ash Foundation was founded which stresses education and community projects. Many area students have received scholarships for post secondary education while many community projects like the Flat River Community Library and the M-TEC named the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center were benefactors.

In 2000, Blanche Ash (left) and Stan Ash proudly flank the plans for the M-TEC named in their honor.

Coop student operating a cutter grinder.

As the company’s number of employees increased, the early 1960’s saw a real need for an educational partner to provide the related instruction or academic portion of our apprentice program. Because of this, President Stan Ash became active in organizing a study committee which led to the founding of Montcalm Community College. He became chairman of the first board of trustees of M.C.C. in 1965 and

The company has been a regular sponsor of area recreational athletic teams like little league, softball , and bowling teams. For many years the company has been a staunch sponsor of the American Red Cross and encourages its employees to regularly donate blood. It does so by hosting its own blood drive and allowing employees to donate on company time.

GTD employees donate blood at the company’s Red Cross Blood Drive.

GTD President, Stan Ash, presents machine tool certificates at M.C.C. commencement in the mid 1960’s.

Initially motivated by GTD Treasurer, Bob Wheeler and his battle with the dreaded disease cancer, the company formed a team (Wheeler’s Walkers) and entered the first American Can-

cer Society’s Montcalm Relay for Life in 1992. Each spring the company conducts a campaign to raise money for this event and sponsors a team to help fight cancer.

The original Wheeler’s Walkers Team in 1992..

Of equal importance since 1993 has been GTD’s participation in the Montcalm Challenge Food Drive each fall to benefit all the food pantries of Montcalm County and the needy they serve. And, since 2003, a Toys For Tots campaign is also conducted. GTD has always welcomed students, teachers, and the community into its facilities. A steadfast supporter of career education, GTD has opened its doors numerous times through the years to students and their parents on shadow and career showcase days, teachers for teachersin-industry, and class tours. GTD also encourages and supports its employees in presenting career opportunities in the Tool and Die Industry at area career days.

Greenville Tool & Die Company welcomes tours of its facilities especially to students, parents, and teachers investigating career opportunities in the Tool and Die Industry.

An Employee Owned Company

3/02/2009