The Finishing Touch

Since our last newsletter, we started to put our plans into practice.Highlights from this summer include the Midwest Seminar at the Grand Traverse Resort, centered on “The ‘H’ in HR.” Ben Whiting’s keynote was inspiring and full of practical takeaways. We ran the seminar in conjunction with the Chicago Midwest Chapter of NASF and appreciate their support. At the Lansing Summit, state regulatory agencies joined us to discuss labor, safety, tariffs, and compliance, giving members direct access to clarify expectations and reduce operational uncertainty.

What’s coming through May:

• Auto Show Meeting - January 14: Market insights for the automotive sector and preview-day access with discounted tickets.

• Technical Session & Networking - April 16: Focused on Alternative Technologies - safer, more sustainable methods replacing existing processes; expect case studies and hands-on takeaways.

• Golf Outing - May 15: A relaxed forum for building supplier–shop relationships.

Please complete our member survey [LINK] so we invest where it matters most. If your shop would like to host a case study, present at the Technical Session, or mentor another member, reach out! We’ll handle logistics so you can focus on the value.

Thank you for your engagement. Practical education, strong networks, and your continued support will make 2026 our best year yet.

Warm regards,

Rich Held

President, Michigan Chapter

National Association of Surface Finishing

I am honored personally and privileged professionally to share a few words of gratitude as we recognize the well-earned retirement of Frank Buono.

As you embark on this next chapter, we extend our sincere appreciation for your outstanding leadership and dedication to Ajax Metal Processing—not only as President, but throughout a distinguished career marked by growth through the ranks and unwavering commitment to the organization.

Throughout your tenure, you guided our company with integrity, strategic foresight, and steady leadership. Under your direction, Ajax Metal Processing strengthened its operations, emerged as a recognized leader within our industry, expanded its capabilities, and forged a culture defined by accountability, respect, and relentless pride in our work. Your leadership style consistently balanced strategic focus with genuine care for the team, leaving a lasting impact on both the organization and the people who support it.

Beyond the many measurable achievements, your influence is reflected in the leaders you developed, the standards you established, and the trust you placed in your teams. Many of us have grown into stronger professionals through your mentorship, encouragement, and steadfast commitment to doing things the right way. To quote Frank directly, “Working in this industry taught me patience. Nothing says “learning to stay calm” like waiting for urgently needed parts to finish a one-hour electroplating cycle - while knowing the slightest chemical change could ruin your whole day. Electroplating taught me to be precise and mindful of delivering complete customer satisfaction.”

Your legacy will endure through the systems, values, and culture you helped build. While your leadership will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege to work alongside you, the enduring foundation you established positions Ajax Metal Processing to thrive well into the future.

On behalf of the entire organization, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and dedication. We wish you good health, fulfillment, and enjoyment in this next chapter of life.

It is important to keep your hazardous waste generation current on EGLE’s data base by using the Site Identification Form also known as EQP-5150. The information on this form triggers the frequency of inspections as well as your legal obligations. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Does EGLE have the correct hazardous waste generator status?

The EQP-5150 form is used to indicate whether you are a large quantity generator (“LQG”), because you generate 1,000 kg/mo. (2,200 pounds (lb)/mo) or more of non-acute hazardous waste; Small Quantity Generator (“SQG”) because you generate 100 to 1,000 kg/mo (220 to 2,200 lb/mo) of non-acute hazardous waste, and no more than 1 kg (2.2 lb) of acute hazardous waste, and no more than 100 kg (220 lb) of any acute hazardous spill cleanup material or a Very Small Quantity Generator (“VSQG”) because you generate less than, or equal to, 100 kg/mo. (220 lb/mo.) of non-acute hazardous waste. As the quantity of your waste generation changes, you need to update EGLE records to reflect your new generator status by using the EQP-5150 form. LQG have more obligations then SQG and VSQGs, such as contingency plans, regular inspections etc. LQGs are also subject to more EGLE inspections. Also, if you have an exceptional circumstance, such as a spill, causing you to generate more hazardous waste than allowed in your category, you need to use the EQP-5150 to report the extra hazardous waste generation. Otherwise, you are required to follow the requirements of the higher generator category for the amount of hazardous waste you are generating for the episodic event. Therefore, it is important to keep the EQP-5150 form up to date.

2. Are all the waste codes that you handle at your site listed on the EQP-5150 form?

The form requires you to list both the federal and state hazardous waste codes for the material you generate at your site. Is the list current? If you no longer generate a waste stream, has it been removed?

3. Are you consolidating waste from another site?

If you are a LQG receiving hazardous waste from a VSQG under your control, you need to complete the addendum to the EQP-5150 form.

4. Has ownership changed?

If ownership or the operator of your site changes, you should use the EQP-5150 to notify EGLE of that change.

The end of the year is a good time to review your hazardous waste generation to ensure that you are classified correctly in EGLE’s data base.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions you may have.

Don't miss this year's Industry Day and plan to join us for our Annual Meeting! Be among the first to hear the newest trends and insights shaping the automotive industry.

Featuring Mike Wall,

Executive Director of Automotive Analysis for S&P Global Mobility

AGENDA

9am - 7pm: Auto Show Industry Day - Huntington Pace

11:30am: Check-in and lunch - Butzel Long

12 - 1pm: Mike Wall

More details and registration can be found [HERE]

Purchase you discounted Auto Show ticket [HERE]

Mark Your Calendars!

Join us this spring in Grand Rapids as we dive into the newest breakthroughs and bold ideas shaping Alternative Solutions. And don’t head out too early—stick around afterward for some lively post-event fun.

Exciting speaker announcements are on the way—details coming soon!

It;s back—and bigger than ever! The golf event you absolutely won’t want to miss. Rally your foursomes and get ready for the annual Finisher’s Classic, Expect a full day of networking, laughs, prizes, drinks, and food—basically everything you need to forget your scorecard.

Stay tuned—registration and sponsorship opportunities are coming soon!

2026 NASF Events

Leadership Conference

March 1-4, 2026

Atlantis, Bahamas

SUR/FIN

June 2-4, 2026

Rosemont, IL

Washington Forum

September 21-23, 2026

Washington DC.

Click here for details

• MIOSHA Training Institute: MIOSHA Training Opportunities
• Webinars: Industry Webinars c/o Products Finishing

Light Vehicle Production Outlook

As 2025 draws to a close, the auto industry continues to navigate an evolving US trade environment as well as other regional dynamics. Assumptions regarding tariffs remain largely intact as automakers’ strategies in mitigating the impacts continue to evolve. Companies are spreading the cost/price impact pragmatically across markets and are adjusting content, trim and mix accordingly. Additionally, automakers operating in the US are benefitting from not facing emissions penalties and the need to purchase regulatory credits. The net effect, consumers are not expected to bear as much of the burden by way of major price increases, yet the cost implications of some of the more severe tariff impacts will still prove impactful to consumer demand and resulting production as we look to next year.

Looking to North America, S&P Global Mobility’s latest light vehicle production outlook was upgraded by 288,000 units for 2026 and now stands at 15.1 million units relative to a forecasted 15.2 million units for 2025 on a combination of an increased demand outlook, efforts to keep inventory on pace with demand and the recovery of lost volume stemming from the situations surrounding Novelis and Nexperia. The US light vehicle sales outlook for 2026 was increased by 140,000 units and stands at 15.9 million units relative to a forecasted 16.3 million units for 2025.

S&P Global Mobility is the trusted leader of automotive intelligence. We provide the most comprehensive data spanning the entire automotive lifecycle—past, present and future—and the largest, most experienced team of analysts and data scientists to make sense of it all. With over 100 years of history and unmatched credentials, we are the industry benchmark for clients around the world, helping them make informed decisions to capitalize on opportunity and avoid risk. More information on S&P Global Mobility may be found at www.spglobal.com/mobility.

• Education: Looking to strengthen your shop and stay ahead in the industry? Check out this valuable resource for courses, certification, research, and scholarship opportunities [HERE] . It’s packed with tools to help you develop your team, stay current with industry trends, and invest in the future of surface finishing.
• Grants: Wondering if your job shop may qualify for a grant? MIOSHA offers two grant programs to help organizations improve workplace safety and health through trainings and equipment. Find out how you can take advantage of MIOSHA grant funding [HERE]
• Job Board Highlights: Are you hiring? Let us help spread the word! Share your open positions with us and we'll highlight them to our network.
• Equipment Exchange: Buying or selling equipment? Let us know! We'll include your listing in the next issue of our newsletter and help connect you with interested buyers or sellers.

• We're looking for passionate members to join our committees! Openings are available on both the Membership & Events Committee and the Education & Advocacy Committee. If you're interested in getting more involved and sharing your expertise to help strengthen our industry, reach out to a board member or contact Ellen directly.
• Got a story, update, or feedback to share? We’d love to include it in our next issue! Help us highlight what’s happening in the Michigan finishing community. Send you submissions to Ellen@minasf.org

Michigan Chapter of NASF

P.O. Box 862

Ada, MI 49301

ellen@minasf.org

(616) 304-0071

www.minasf.org

2025/26 Board Members

President - Rich Held richh@havilandusa.com

Vice President - MaryBeth Ketko mbketko@gmail.com

Treasurer - Mark Burger mark.burger@kcjplating.com

Directors

Brad Hirdes brad.hirdes@alliedfinishinginc.com

Jake Keith jkeith@wolverineplating.com

Adam Kotlarek adam.kotlarek@macdermidenthone.com

Gary Kriesch garymkriesch@gmail.com

Bradley Sugg bsugg@dipsolamerica.com

Thank you for being a valued member of our industry!

Michigan Chapter of NASF | minasf.org