From a single part to the body-in-white structure
Ever since cars have existed, we have been developing, producing, and supplying metal parts—and, for the vehicles of today, hybrid structures—for the automotive industry. From a manufacturer of individual parts, we have grown into an internationally recognized development supplier of components and body-in-white structures.
KIRCHHOFF Automotive provides vehicles worldwide with extra stability and safety.
But we also offer our customers much more than that: we make a considerable contribution to the growth of their competitiveness.
The crucial cost and logistical advantages of our streamlined, medium-sized company structure with international presence serves a single purpose: to drive the market success of our customers and safeguard our innovative strength and earning power. This is our pledge worldwide.
05-12-24
The Third in the Group
MetalForming Magazine has named Stephanie Dake, Quality Planning Specialist at our Troy location, as one of the Women of Influence in Metal Forming and Fabricating within the PMA (Precision Metal Forming Association). This makes her one of the “Women of Excellence” in metal forming, just like our colleagues Missy Smith and Susanne Ysasi.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Stephanie Dake’s outstanding contributions to the manufacturing industry over a career spanning more than two decades.
“I was thrilled and honored to have been recognized for this award,” she says. “Working in Quality can be a thankless job at times. Reading all the statements made by my peers about what ‘Stephanie’ brings to the table has really made me smile and feel appreciated.”
Stephanie's journey in manufacturing began in 1997 when she took a chance on an assembly role at KIRCHHOFF Automotive. Her initiative and capability quickly caught attention, leading to roles in quality management where she earned QS-9000 and TS-16949 certifications.
“KIRCHHOFF Automotive has provided me with a platform that allows me to make a positive influence on the quality of products we produce,” she says. “The doors are open for me to build relationships with our customers and suppliers. KA has provided me with training tools such as being certified with IATF-16949, Core quality docs, customer workshops, and more.”
Before joining KIRCHHOFF Automotive in 2017, Stephanie gained diverse experience across injection molding, stamping, and staffing industries. At our Tecumseh plant, she played a crucial role in rebuilding customer trust and resolving quality challenges.
Now at our Troy office, Stephanie leverages her shop floor experience in her Quality Planning role to advocate for production team members and share valuable insights with customers.
Reflecting on her experience, Stephanie shares wisdom for women considering manufacturing careers noting that gender diversity can lead to improved innovation, profitability, and return on equity: "Whether you're assembling or influencing the evolution of a product, our presence counts. Knowing your hands built 'that' or your 'input' changed the design/safety of that vehicle going down the road. The diverse range of opportunities, growth, benefits, wages, and most importantly work-life balance. We need more women to bring a positive impact into the manufacturing industry."
The award was presented to Stephanie at the recent KIRCHHOFF Automotive Leadership Team Meeting in Detroit. Stephanie will be featured in MetalForming's December 2024 issue, receiving special recognition and a certificate honoring her achievement.
“I am very grateful for being part of the KIRCHHOFF Automotive family for the last 8 years and looking forward to many years to come,” she says.
