Amigo Mobility - 2012 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year

 

LANSING, Mich., April 24, 2012 — Eight Michigan manufacturing leaders have been named 2012 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award recipients by the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). The awards program, in its 30th year, recognizes the positive contributions of Michigan manufacturers to the industry and their local communities.

The Small Tier Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award was jointly awarded to Al & Beth Thieme, Chairman and Founder & CEO (Respectively) of Bridgeport-based Amigo Mobility International. The Amigo story is one of opportunity, innovation and success. More than 40 years ago, Al Thieme was a young man working as a plumbing and heating contractor. When a family member began to lose their mobility due to Multiple Sclerosis, Thieme resolved to come up with a solution, working in the evenings after his job to come up with an independent form of mobility. His efforts resulted in the invention of first the power-operated vehicle/scooter — the Amigo — which launched an entire industry.

As Amigo’s Chairman and Founder, Al continues to run the company daily. Hands-on and focused, he is passionate about Improving Lives Through Mobility®, which is the company’s slogan. Beth, the company’s CEO, is also known for her strong spirit and determination. She has grown Amigo’s commercial sales by more than 300 percent over the past five years and, serving on the board of directors for the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturing Association, has served as an advocate on local, state and federal issues concerning manufacturers. Together, the husband and wife team are constantly pushing the Amigo team to grow, provide a better product and “wow” their customers. To keep up with the company’s rapid growth, the leadership team was recently expanded to also include new President Tim Drumhiller of St. Charles, Michigan.

Amigo has been a Michigan-based manufacturing company since it was founded in 1975, currently employing more than 80 individuals in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The company supports the Michigan economy by using as many Michigan-based suppliers as possible, with 67 percent of Amigo’s suppliers being from Michigan or immediately surrounding states. All manufacturing is done in Michigan, and product is shipped worldwide.

The company is also proud to be a Green Certified Business. The Thiemes have stated that, “Environmental awareness has always been, and will always be, a priority as we hold a strong regard for our community and its future.” All Amigo products are completely recyclable, and products are packaged using recyclable plastic, which saves more than 350,000 square feet of cardboard each year. Products for retail use are shipped on eco-friendly CHEP pallets, which are reusable and made from renewable resources, cutting the number of wood pallets used in half.