About H&L Manufacturing
Our Story
H&L Manufacturing got its start in Caledonia, Michigan in 1967 under the ownership of Larry and Lila Alkema. The company initially made products to support the office furniture industry. Within a short period of time, they uncovered an opportunity to build wire harnesses for the automotive industry — a move that would define the company's future.
In 2005, the Alkemas passed the torch to Steve and Tanya (Alkema) Sawdy. In 2011, H&L relocated to a 54,000 sq ft facility in Middleville, Michigan. In 2017, Jeff Gillesse and Russ Richardson joined as minority owners, bringing expertise in finance and lean manufacturing.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
H&L has assembled a dedicated continuous improvement team that evaluates current technology, identifies areas of deficiency, and devises creative solutions. Vision cameras are installed directly over assembly fixtures, taking a snapshot of every part to verify correct location and orientation before it's released.
Company Milestones
- 1967: Founded in Caledonia, MI by Larry and Lila Alkema
- 2005: Steve and Tanya Sawdy take ownership
- 2011: Relocated to 54,000 sq ft facility in Middleville
- 2017: Jeff Gillesse and Russ Richardson join as partners
- 2018: Invested $1.2M in capital improvements
Leadership
- Steve Sawdy — President & Owner
- Tanya Sawdy — Owner
- Russ Richardson — CEO & Partner
- Jeff Gillesse — CFO & Partner
Our Mission
"To provide a product and service that goes beyond our customer's expectation."
Shared Values
- Respect
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Innovation