Cascade Engineering's "variable mass, injection molded dash silencer" offers automakers a 20 percent to 35 percent mass savings and a lower unit cost without negatively affecting the vehicle's acoustical performance.
From left, Cascade Engineering's Marketing Director Keith Maki, Senior Vice President Robert Rosenbach and Director of Sales Richard Brouckaert celebrate after winning the top supplier award at the Michigan International Auto Show on Wednesday, Jan. 30
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Cascade Engineering’s “dash mats” are rarely seen by new car buyers.
Tucked behind the engine and underneath the dash board, the lightweight, insulated heat shields do much to make new cars quieter and more fuel-efficient.
That’s why the Grand Rapids New Car Dealers Association (GRNCDA) named the local company as the recipient of its 2013 “Celebration of Innovation: Automotive Supplier of the Year” award.
The award was presented during Wednesday’s VIP Reception prior to the Charity Spectacular Preview for the 2013 Michigan International Auto Show.
“Today we are recognizing a local company that has set its focus on environmental sustainability,” said GRNCDA president Blair Sharpe. “West Michigan has so many brilliant and innovative companies creating technologies that benefit us locally and globally.”
Cascade Engineering’s “variable mass, injection molded dash silencer” offers automakers a 20 percent to 35 percent mass savings and a lower unit cost without negatively affecting the vehicle’s acoustical performance.
Besides being lightweight, Cascade Engineering’s “dash mats” also are 100 percent recyclable, said senior Cascade Engineering division vice president Robert J. Rosenbach, who accepted the award.
Rosenbach said Cascade Engineering's Automotive Americas division employs about 250 workers in West Michigan and makes nearly 1 million dash mats a year for auto manufacturers.
Companies throughout Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Allegan and Muskegon counties were invited to submit nominations for the award. A selection committee from GRNCDA then met to review the nominees.
Headquartered in Cascade Township, Cascade Engineering includes 13 business units serving automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, furniture, material handling, consumer products, renewable energy and consulting services.
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E-mail Jim Harger: jharger@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JHHarger