Michigan Manufacturers Association

What Michigan Manufacturers Association does

Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1902 and headquartered at 620 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, Michigan. It operates as the state's leading advocate focused solely on Michigan manufacturers, providing advocacy, workforce development, employee benefits administration, education, and member services to its dues-paying membership. MMA serves a broad base of Michigan manufacturers — collectively employing 610,000-628,700 Michiganders — as well as associate/supplier members, insurance partners, and benefits providers.

MMA's product and service portfolio is organized around four pillars. Workforce Solutions includes the MMA Training Center, Going PRO Talent Fund, MFG Day, and the annual Workforce Solutions Summit, addressing talent pipeline gaps through partnered training and apprenticeship programs. Employee Benefits centers on group purchasing power covering 26,000+ insured employees, with health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, workers' compensation through MTM (exclusive 3% premium discount), life insurance through MetLife, retirement plans via CAPTRUST Freedom401k, HR advisory through Clark Hill, and industrial cost-savings programs (UPS/YRC shipping, EnStar energy, Crystal Clean parts cleaning, Ferrellgas propane). Advocacy is delivered through member-driven Policy Committees, Legislative Day, the Action Center, the Tax Strategy Hub, and recognition programs including the Manufacturing Excellence Awards and Coolest Thing Made in Michigan competition. Communications are anchored by the MiMfg Magazine, a member portal built on GrowthZone, and active social channels.

MMA's revenue model is a mix of recurring annual membership dues, event registration fees (e.g., $200-$300/person for the Workforce Solutions Summit with group discounts), insurance and benefits program administration, and transactional member-savings programs negotiated with vendor partners. GTM is community-led: members are acquired and retained through referral incentives (10% mutual dues discount), industry events, training programs, and the association's advocacy track record. The organization is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors and Policy Committees, with no parent company, external investors, or funding rounds.

Name

Michigan Manufacturers Association

Legal name

Michigan Manufacturers Association

Website

https://mimfg.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1902

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Michigan Manufacturers Association is a non-profit trade association founded in 1902 and headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, providing advocacy, workforce development, group employee benefits, and member services to Michigan manufacturers and supplier partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from manufacturing companies (industry members) and associate/supplier companies. Members receive access to workforce solutions, insurance programs, training, advocacy, and member-only resources.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from events including the annual Workforce Solutions Summit and Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Pricing varies: $200/person for members, $300/person for non-members, with group discounts available.
3. Insurance Programs: Group buying power for health insurance (through Blue Cross Blue Shield), workers' compensation (through MTM), life insurance, and other employee benefits. MMA earns revenue through negotiated group rates.
4. Member Services and Savings Programs: Programs including shipping services (UPS, YRC), energy services (EnStar), parts cleaning (Crystal Clean), propane (Ferrellgas), and other operational cost-savings programs that benefit members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Michigan Manufacturers Association is a nonprofit trade association providing advocacy, workforce development, employee benefits (group insurance), training, and member services to manufacturing companies operating in Michigan. Its core offerings combine policy representation with practical cost-savings programs — including health insurance, workers' compensation, retirement plans, HR support, and negotiated vendor discounts — funded primarily through annual membership dues.

Product overview

Michigan Manufacturers Association operates as a trade association offering a portfolio of member services organized around four core areas: workforce development (Workforce Solutions, MMA Training Center, Going PRO Talent Fund), member benefits (health insurance via Blue Cross Blue Shield, 401k programs, workers' comp through MTM, HR services including Help Line and surveys, industrial services like energy and shipping), events and publications (Manufacturing Excellence Awards, Workforce Solutions Summit, Coolest Thing Made in Michigan competition, MiMfg Magazine), and advocacy (policy committees, Legislative Day, political engagement). The association functions as a member-driven organization where manufacturing companies pay dues to access group purchasing power, training resources, networking, and representation on policy issues affecting Michigan's manufacturing sector.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Workforce Solutions A comprehensive workforce development program that addresses talent pipeline gaps through collaborative networks, employee training partnerships, and programs such as the Going PRO Talent Fund. Targeted at Michigan manufacturers facing workforce supply and demand imbalances.
• MMA Training Center Training facility offering workforce development courses and programs for manufacturing employees, including online learning delivered through Training.com.
• Employee Benefits Programs Group purchasing programs leveraging 26,000+ insured employees for competitive insurance rates, including health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and life insurance through MetLife.
• HR Help Line Member-only free HR advisory service connecting manufacturers to attorneys and professionals at Clark Hill PLC for general human resources guidance.
• MTM Workers' Compensation Program Workers' compensation insurance program through Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company, offering an exclusive 3% premium discount and dividend program for MMA members.
• Comprehensive Health Care Plans Blue Cross Blue Shield sponsored health plans including PPO, HMO, and wellness-based options with cost management features for member companies with up to 99 employees.
• Freedom401k Program Comprehensive 401(k) retirement plan solutions offered for over 20 years through CAPTRUST as part of MMA's financial benefits portfolio.
• Industrial Services Program Cost-savings programs including energy services (EnStar), propane discounts (Ferrellgas), parts cleaning (Crystal Clean, minimum 25% savings), and shipping services via UPS and YRC.
• Safety Training Programs Manufacturing Safety Meeting Outlines and training materials for safety compliance, including forklift and MEWP operator training through partner TrainMOR.
• HR Surveys & Reports Compensation and benefits benchmarking services provided in partnership with ASE, enabling members to compare pay rates and benefit offerings against industry competitors.
• Job Posting Services Employment posting platform with 20% savings on CareerBuilder.Com for member companies seeking to fill manufacturing positions.
• MMA Workforce Solutions Summit Annual full-day workforce development event featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities for Michigan manufacturers.
• Manufacturing Excellence Awards Annual awards gala recognizing manufacturing leaders, companies, and products including Manufacturer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Woman of the Year, Talent Champion, and Emerging Leader categories.
• Coolest Thing Made in Michigan Annual statewide competition celebrating innovative Michigan-made products with public voting rounds culminating in an announcement at the Excellence Awards gala.
• MiMfg Magazine Monthly industry publication covering manufacturing news, member spotlights, workforce trends, and association updates for Michigan manufacturers.
• Policy Committees and Advocacy Member-driven committees including Air Policy, HR Services, Food & Beverage Manufacturers, and Lawyers Committee developing policy direction and regulatory advocacy.
• Legislative Day Annual event connecting manufacturing leaders with legislative decisionmakers for hands-on lobbying experience and policy engagement.
• Champions of Manufacturing Enhanced membership recognition program for supporters seeking deeper engagement with Michigan's manufacturing sector.
• Membership Referral Program Member-driven growth incentive offering 10% discount on annual dues for referring new members, with reciprocal savings for referred companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1 billion+ in annual cost savings for Michigan manufacturing through advocacy efforts
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MTM (Manufacturing Technology Mutual)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Workers' compensation insurance partner since 2018. MTM provides coverage and savings to MMA members, including nearly $1.4 million in savings through exclusive 3% premium discount. MTM has protected workers and empowered manufacturers for over 45 years.
• MetLifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife insurance program partner with rates stable for over 20 years. MMA, in partnership with MetLife, works to hold rates as low as possible through excellent program management and aggressive loss control initiatives.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary health insurance partner offering comprehensive plans including PPO and HMO options. Available to companies with up to 99 employees. MMA provides local billing and administration services at no additional cost.
• CAPTRUSTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner401(k) retirement plan program partner offering Freedom401k program for over 20 years. Provides retirement plan solutions and advisory services to MMA members.
• RehmanncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTax consulting and manufacturing group specialists providing R&D tax savings, manufacturing tax strategy, and financial advisory services. Premium Associate Member since July 2006.
• Prometis PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExit planning and succession consulting firm helping manufacturers prepare for business transitions. MMA members save 10% on services.
• Crystal Clean (Heritage-Crystal Clean)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial parts cleaning and waste services provider. Second largest provider in the U.S. MMA members save minimum 25% on Crystal Clean services.
• UPS and YRCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShipping services partners offering air, international, ground and freight services. MMA members save on broad portfolio of shipping services.
• Clark Hill PLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHR Help Line partner providing free legal guidance on general human resources issues to MMA members. Attorneys dedicated to quality service.
• Consumers EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichigan utility company providing energy services. Helped manufacturers implement solar projects. MMA member since 1914.
• The Manufacturing InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational manufacturing workforce organization. USG's Sarah Messa honored with 2025 Women MAKE Award from The Manufacturing Institute.
• Miller CanfieldminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMichigan law firm providing webinars and guidance on legal matters affecting manufacturers including Attorney General v. Eli Lilly case analysis.
• Warner Norcross + JuddminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMichigan law firm providing webinars on tariffs, IEEPA, and other legal topics affecting manufacturers.
• Maner CosterisanminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAccounting firm providing webinars on R&D tax credits and One Big Beautiful Bill Act implications for manufacturers.
• EXIM BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExport-Import Bank of the United States. Partner providing exporting resources to help Michigan manufacturers expand internationally.
• Tooling U-SMEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing training and workforce development partner providing learning solutions for skills development.
• TrainMORminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial training provider for forklift and MEWP operator training, helping manufacturers comply with ANSI and OSHA standards.
• Windsor-Detroit Bridge AuthorityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding the Gordie Howe International Bridge to provide efficient cross-border trade route for Michigan manufacturers. Premium Associate Member since December 2024.
• Michigan Works!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState workforce development agency partnering with MMA on workforce solutions including collaborative networks across Michigan communities.
• Grand Valley State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner collaborating with manufacturers on engineering and technical talent development through Blue Dot Tech Hub.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): The largest U.S. manufacturing trade association, providing national-level advocacy, workforce development, and member services. Direct functional overlap with MMA but at national scale, with The Manufacturing Institute operating as its workforce-focused arm.

Others

• The Manufacturing Institute: NAM's workforce and education affiliate, operating programs like Women MAKE, STEP Ahead, and workforce credentials. Partnered with MMA (USG's Sarah Messa honored via the Institute) and competes for the same workforce-development mission and corporate sponsorship dollars.

Direct peers

• Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association: Pennsylvania's state manufacturing trade association focused on advocacy and workforce. Comparable to MMA in serving a diversified industrial state with similar legislative and group-services offerings.
• Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Combined state chamber and manufacturers association serving Wisconsin businesses, including manufacturing-specific advocacy, workforce, and benefits programs. Comparable to MMA as a state-level manufacturing advocacy and services organization.
• Ohio Manufacturers' Association: Ohio's state-level manufacturing trade association offering advocacy, workforce programs, group benefits, and events to Ohio manufacturers. Closest functional peer to MMA given the parallel state-association model in a neighboring manufacturing-heavy state.
• Illinois Manufacturers' Association: State manufacturing trade association serving Illinois manufacturers with advocacy, training, group benefits, and networking. Directly comparable to MMA in scope, services (workforce, insurance, policy), and member base composition.
• Indiana Manufacturers Association: Indiana's state manufacturing association providing advocacy, workforce solutions, and member services to Indiana manufacturers. Direct peer given parallel state-association structure and heavy automotive/industrial member overlap with Michigan.
• California Manufacturers & Technology Association: California's state manufacturing trade association providing advocacy, compliance, HR, and workforce services. Direct functional peer to MMA at a larger scale, particularly relevant given California's aggressive labor/energy policy environment.

Regional players

• Michigan Chamber of Commerce: Michigan's statewide chamber of commerce serving all industries including manufacturing. Overlaps with MMA on policy advocacy, HR/legal services, and group benefits, but is a broader business association rather than a manufacturing-specific peer.
• Detroit Regional Chamber: Regional chamber serving Southeast Michigan with policy advocacy, talent programs, and networking. Comparable to MMA on Michigan policy and workforce initiatives but operates at a sub-state regional level with a broader industry mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/mimanufacturers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MIManufacturers
• Facebookfacebook.com/MIManufacturers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mimfg
• Instagraminstagram.com/mimanufacturers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michigan Manufacturers Association