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Since its establishment in 1984, Mi Integration has transformed from a family-owned business into a premier supplier in the automotive manufacturing industry specializing in thermoplastic solutions and 2-shot injection molding. Founded by Claude Houle and Francine Guay in Sherbrooke, Canada, Mi Integration began as a modest workshop, Modelage Mécanique C.H. Inc., that quickly expanded its horizons and capabilities to a multi-site leader, with four locations across North America and strategic offices in Detroit and China to support its global client base Guided by the principles of Imagine, Innovate, Integrate. Under the leadership of Vincent Houle, who took the reins from his parents, the company remains rooted in its core values—Resilience, Ambition, Inspiration, Synergy, and Empathy (RAISE). “Our mission is to redefine partnership in the automotive industry,” says Houle. “As we transition from a good supplier to a great partner in the value chain, our growth is about amplifying impact and leading with purpose.” These values form the foundation of Mi Integration’s work, supporting 3
its culture of innovation and dedication to customercentric solutions. ‘HEALTHY GROWTH’ AND VALUE-DRIVEN STRATEGIES Vincent Houle describes the company’s growth as “Healthy Growth,” emphasizing that success is not merely about expansion but also about making a positive impact on clients, employees, and community. Through this approach, Mi Integration has fostered a business model that thrives in a constantly changing market. “This journey to a GREAT company is about more than financials,” he says. “It’s a transformative phase where we invest in people, innovation, and partnerships, all while staying true to our entrepreneurial spirit.” The company’s strategy is built on specialized services such as Value Engineering, Certified Problem Solving, and Collaborative Innovation. These services allow Mi Integration to address complex manufacturing challenges creatively and cost-effectively, delivering products that enhance performance for clients in the highly competitive automotive industry. MASTERING LEAN MANUFACTURING A commitment to Lean Manufacturing is at the heart of Mi Integration’s operations. Lean practices help minimize waste, reduce lead times, and control operating costs, ultimately allowing the company to deliver high-quality products efficiently. This 4
approach aligns with the company’s mission to maximize value from the customer’s perspective. The adoption of innovative technologies and training programs further bolsters this efficiency. For instance, the augmented reality training program, developed with PlastiCompétences and Deepsight, provides immersive learning experiences that enhance operators’ expertise and productivity. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the launch of Mi Academy, a comprehensive skill development program designed to drive professional growth in two key areas: technical proficiency throughout the process lifecycle and management and leadership capabilities. By embedding a culture of innovation, creativity, and curiosity, Mi Academy not only enhances employee skills but also ensures that clients benefit from a highly capable team, adept at delivering cutting-edge solutions. STRENGTH IN PARTNERSHIPS Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in Mi Integration’s evolution, particularly through alliances with equipment suppliers such as Haitian and Wittmann. These relationships have enabled Mi Integration to upgrade its machinery and establish state-of-the-art facilities in Quebec, and supply the new Saltillo facility in Mexico, which enhances the company’s ability to meet increasing demand with greater efficiency and precision. Mi Intégration is investing in a new 53,800 sq. ft. plant in Saltillo, Mexico, with the first operational phase scheduled for early 2025. This state-of-theart facility, which will be extended by a further 5,000 sq.m. over the following two years, is designed to increase production capacity and optimize logistics costs. It will be equipped with 15 presses, New plant- Saltillo, Mexico 5
ranging from 200 to 1,500 tons, offering advanced bi-injection, overmolding and assembly capabilities, to meet the varied and constantly evolving needs of Mi Intégration’s customers. The plant also aims to achieve ISO 14001 certification by March 2025, a testament to our commitment to responsible environmental management. Partnerships with raw material suppliers, financial institutions, and industry leaders also support Mi Integration’s ability to innovate and refine its processes. “By partnering with industry leaders, we accelerate our R&D efforts, enhancing our in-house testing capabilities to solve complex challenges,” says Nicholas Charland, Director of Innovation and Engineering. Mi Integration is committed to remaining at the forefront of industry innovation through initiatives such as Mi Lab, a dedicated space for research and development. This facility allows the team to explore new technologies and product designs that align with evolving automotive needs as well as serving as a centralized platform for best practices and skill development. The iM Bulb initiative is an example, where the company focuses on advancing gap 6
seal technology to improve performance and costeffectiveness, addressing issues like squeak noise, lip flipping, and sealing efficiency in automotive applications. Also, the team is developing solutions to optimize the process for the belts for side window, by integrating flock tape directly into the mold or applying by robot depending on the shape of the part. Mi Integration is advancing with its Iceberg 3.0 initiative, utilizing advanced databases to address key challenges in the automotive sector, particularly in sealing solutions. This tool offers powerful benchmarking capabilities, allowing for detailed analysis and comparison of industry trends, product features, and market performance. By leveraging Iceberg 3.0, Mi Integration can develop precise, cost-effective solutions to address critical vehicle issues, driving innovation and supporting strategic planning. RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE At Mi Integration, excellence is rooted in teamwork and strategic collaboration. “Success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about 7
collective strategy and working together to deliver outstanding results,” says Jean-François Fournier, Director of Manufacturing Excellence. This approach enables Mi Integration to consistently exceed industry expectations and strengthen its position as a trusted partner in the value chain. Mi Integration is proud of industry recognition for its operational excellence. Nicolas Nadeau, Vice President of Operations, highlights the company’s rigorous approach to quality control: “We drive excellence in the automotive industry with rigor, expertise, and innovation, creating a dynamic environment where talent thrives, and ambitions accelerate.” “Our success is measured by the impact we create for our clients, employees, and community,” adds Houle. A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND GROWTH Celebrating 40 years in business in 2024, the company’s journey illustrates a blend of 8
entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to fostering long-lasting partnerships. Houle’s leadership is a continuation of the founders’ vision, with an added emphasis on social responsibility and industry leadership. This journey, Houle explains, is “about amplifying impact and leading with purpose.” The company also takes pride in seeing Quebec engineering featured in vehicles produced by several major automotive manufacturers around the world, including the Big 3, further showcasing the enduring impact of its innovative solutions on the global automotive industry. Looking ahead, Mi Integration’s focus remains on creating value not only for its clients but also for future generations. Through continued investment in people, technology, and sustainable practices, the company aims to leave a legacy of resilience, ambition, and innovation. As Mi Integration embarks on the next phase of growth, it is wellpositioned to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact in the automotive industry. For more information, please visit www.mi-integration.com/en 9
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com www.mi-integration.com/en
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