JACKSON — Officals from EverLast Lighting, a subsidiary of Full Spectrum Solutions Inc., said today they have initiated the first stages of infrastructure expansion to further its commitment to Michigan manufacturing. The plan will increase jobs and capital investments for the EverLast brand and commercial lighting lines.
Brandon Marken, vice president of commercial sales, said that the investment in infrastructure is in response to the company’s positive growth trajectory.
The first part of the plan officially launched mid-August as operations of the CNC Amada-Apelio 2-357 nicknamed the “Megatron,” and the CNC Press Break nicknamed the “Cookie Monster” produced the first set of components successfully. The new machines will create jobs at EverLast’s South Street facility and allow the company to manufacture critical components in several of the fixtures; some parts that were previously produced elsewhere.
“Our goal is to manufacture ‘in-house’, then we look to Michigan, and then we look domestically,” said Kristine Gough, the company’s purchasing manager. “We’ve always looked to Jackson based partners, or closest to us. Adding these machines to our infrastructure creates jobs and opportunities for our company and Jackson. Vertical integration means quicker turnaround time on our products. In addition, we can improve all quality control from raw material to finished good.”
The CNC Amada-Apelio turret and laser machine, is powered by nitrogen and oxygen, and has 58 stations that produce a myriad of components for several of the EverLast Induction lighting fixtures. One of the stations produces an enhanced reflector that improves down light, distribution, and optics in order to maximize the efficiency of the Induction fixtures. The CNC Press Break complements the Amada by bending and fabricating the laser cut steel and aluminum.
“We’re really excited about it because this is just one more thing to get under our roof, additionally, we can use both machines for prototypes and retrofits in the future. Consequently, we can buy more here, and build more here,” Cal Nevins, EverLast plant engineer, said.
