Page 18 - MetalForming-Aug-2018-issue

Customers Drawn to
Michigan Metalformer
...courtesy of its expertise in die design and build, and its deep-draw capabilities, with new hydraulic presses providing a big assist.
BY LOUIS A. KREN, SENIOR EDITOR
Incorporated in 1999, Envision Engineering cut its teeth in the motorcycle industry, bringing to bear its original expertise in tool design and simulation, which paved the way for supply of deep-drawn fenders, fuel-tank shells and other parts. Today, the Lowell, MI, manufacturer still supplies motorcycle OEMs and after-market part providers, and has leveraged its tool and deep-draw capabilities to branch out into other markets, including lower-volume automotive (i.e. electric vehicles) and marine. It also provides bridge builds and prototypes for various OEMs.
With all draw-form simulation, tool design and build inhouse, along with laser-cutting, welding, inspection and grinding capabilities, Envision Engineering has the expertise and tools to support industries beyond the motorcycle mar- ket. Chief among these tools is the stable of stamping presses, including two hydraulic models from Macrodyne. Envision Engineering purchased a new 500-ton Macrodyne in 2014, and recently purchased a used 400-ton machine. In Decem- ber, the company will install its third Macrodyne, a large- bed 500-ton unit. The presses allow the company to suc- cessfully produce flawless difficult-to-form deep-drawn parts such as the aforementioned fenders and fuel tanks.
From Humble Beginnings
With a 60,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing plant and 55 employ- ees, Envision Engineering has come a long way—its journey beginning in a pole barn, and quite by accident.
Back then, co-owners Scott Roerig and Mike VanderWilp, working together in tool design, began tinkering with a concept
Envision Engineering co-owners Mike VanderWilp, left, and Scott Roerig hold a deep-drawn fender, produced on one of the com- pany’s hydraulic presses.
16 MetalForming/August 2018
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