Specialty Tooling Systems
Our Capabilities
STS offers a wide range of capabilities in specialty machinery, assembly solutions and automation equipment. From MIG welding systems to automated assembly machines and rapid prototyping, STS has earned a reputation as a leading turnkey producer of industrial automation and specialty machinery. Our new 73,000 square-foot facility—located in Grand Rapids, Mich., less than one mile from the I-96 corridor—can accommodate projects ranging from complex multi-robot cells to single, one-off machines. Since forming in 2000, STS has served a variety of customers in the automotive, furniture, food processing, aerospace, medical device, and other industries. Our full list of capabilities includes:
Assembly Machines
Assembly solutions are our bread and butter at STS. Our team has designed and fabricated customized specialty assembly centers for customers in the automotive, furniture, medical device, aerospace and a variety of other industries. STS uses a proven system for designing, engineering and building assembly equipment. It begins with a review of our customer’s product line, engineering documents, operations/floor plan and delivery requirements. Then, our specialists incorporate the latest lean manufacturing principles to design and fabricate the assembly solution best suited for a particular customer’s needs. Specifically, we offer:
In addition, our team is happy to work with your operation to enhance or retrofit existing automated assembly equipment, promote workflow and maximize lean manufacturing principles. Our partnership with Tooling Systems Group (TSG) also allows us to offer turnkey solutions from concept to finished product. For our specialty assembly equipment customers, that translates into efficient and rapid communication between our assembly and die groups, resulting in smooth engineering changes and other adjustments throughout the build process.
Welding Systems
Our laser and welding systems represent a major component of our specialty machinery and assembly solutions. STS’s welding capabilities include:
In addition, STS also designs and fabricates standard welding cells, built to ship and designed to handle both low-volume and high-volume production. Unlike custom welding cells, these models allow for rapid changeovers to new programs.
Vision Inspection and Quality Audit Systems
One bad part slipping into a production run can ruin an otherwise perfect system. At STS, we understand that even the best automated solutions are not complete without high-grade vision inspection and quality audit components.
STS offers a full range of mid-stream inspection and audit machines that we seamlessly integrate into our specialty machinery and automation technologies.
STS is also accustomed to working inside the parameters of each customer’s standardized quality policy.
Our vision inspection and quality equipment includes:
Control Systems and Interfaces
When stringent production quotas need to be met, a complicated user interface can make an easy task much more challenging. At STS, we believe in keeping our control systems and user interfaces as intuitive as possible by utilizing the latest technology, including:
Collaborative Robotics
PLC Units
In addition, our specialty machinery and industrial automation equipment comes standard with integrated display panels, and industry standard safety equipment including:
Automation Cells
As more industrial processes trend toward automation, STS is committed to remaining at the forefront of automation technology. We are experienced in designing and fabricating everything from small, single-operation machines to large multi-robot cells for the automotive, aerospace, food processing, furniture and other industries.
Our automated capabilities include:
Turnkey Solutions
STS operates as one of twelve organizations under the Tooling Systems Group (TSG) family of companies. As a partner of TSG, STS offers true turnkey solutions to our customers. This collaboration allows for the construction of stamping dies, molds, machine design, automation technologies, and project support, all under one umbrella. TSG supports the ability to launch multiple sets of the same tool across the globe simultaneously, which reduces costs and lead times while optimizing resource utilization. With facilities located in both the Asian and European markets, STS brings global capabilities to its customers through its TSG partnership. As a member of the TSG family of companies, customers benefit through:
Moreover, customers have access to a variety of capabilities under the TSG umbrella, including:
In addition, STS is also partially owned by Nachi Robotics Systems, Inc., a $2 billion global manufacturer of robotic equipment. The partnership with Nachi affords STS the sort of financial backing typically reserved for large suppliers, but within a smaller, more nimble organization.
On-site Equipment and Staff
Specialty Tooling System’s 60,000 square foot facility provides the convenience and room to build and tryout large assembly lines on-site, ensuring that when the equipment arrives, it is ready to go.
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STS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
Support
STS provides end-to-end support for its clients. We offer innovative, full-service solutions—from concept to installation and beyond.
No matter what your machine’s delivery date is, our goal is to be there to train your team and support your ongoing maintenance needs. We’ll make sure your machines yield high overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) so you can minimize downtime, improve efficiency and drive profitability. Learn more about:
Program Management
Program management is the cornerstone of our operation—and your success. Each project is assigned a dedicated global program manager, who serves as the primary point of contact and guides each project from purchase order to finished product.
The global project manager takes care of the communication between each of the shops under the Tooling System Group’s umbrella. This allows for a seamless transition of projects with open and transparent communication of each step of the process. Moreover, it promotes efficiencies throughout the process by reducing redundancies and minimizing the risk of miscommunication to the customer.
New, Redesign, Repairs
Regardless of industry, size or geography, our customers all want the same thing: quality, bang for the buck and overall equipment efficiency. STS delivers newly built automation equipment that does just that. Check out our capabilities to learn more about our expertise in automation systems.
We also offer redesign and repair services to existing customers. Whether it’s a controls upgrade for an older piece of equipment or mechanical repairs on a machine that’s down, STS helps customers improve OEE, reduce downtime and improve profitability. We offer maintenance and other services through our Grand Rapids and Detroit facilities, as well as our global support structure throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe and China.
Onsite Support, Maintenance
Customer training and support are important elements of our service to customers. We train customers in our facility when their equipment is being finalized and then train them onsite at their own facility when the equipment is delivered and assembled.
Our commitment to customer support also extends to maintenance strategies and services that improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime and increase profitability. We offer maintenance and other services through our Grand Rapids and Detroit facilities. Additionally, our affiliations with Tooling Systems Group and Nachi Robotics Systems provide a global support structure that allows us to respond quickly and effectively to customers throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe and China.
Global Support
While STS is based in Michigan, our ventures with Tooling Systems Group and Nachi Robotics Systems offer us a global footprint for serving OEMs and Tier-One suppliers with platforms in North America, Europe and China.
STS can build platform-specific assembly equipment multiple times in multiple regions of the world, offering OEM and Tier-One customers a number of benefits for their global platforms:
- Reduced lead times
- Optimized processes
- Reduced costs, low-cost country
- Enhanced training and service
This strategy of repeat merit also extends to our turnkey solutions for global platforms. By leveraging our alliances with TSG and Nachi, we can deliver effective turnkey solutions for global platforms—from dies to assembly equipment to check fixtures.
With more than 7,000 employees and facilities all over the world, the collective resources of STS, TSG and Nachi deliver global vehicle platform support, innovative engineering, superior quality and substantial savings to clients around the world.
STS Assembly Equipment and Facility
Jamey Moore,
Vice President of Operations
Jamey has been helping STS grow into an industry leader and now brings his 20+ years of extensive experience and knowledge into a leadership role for the years ahead.
Dan Jennings,
Vice President of Business Development
Dan’s career began 29 years ago at the OEM level with Toyota, then moving to the tier one ranks with Shiloh Industries and Challenge Manufacturing. He joined TSG in 2008 and enjoyed 11 years as Director of Sales before recently moving to STS to continue the company’s growth.
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TEST
CNC Turning and Milling Combined in Multitasking
With our Mazak Integrex machines, we can machine complex parts all in the same setup saving on machining time, reducing costs, and getting the parts delivered faster.
Machining customers include:
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
EIG is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
EIG Part Examples
CHAD BOERSMA,
EIG President
Chad Boersma founded Eagle Industrial Group in 2008 and has overseen its steady growth to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. As a Marine veteran, Chad is proud of Eagle’s accomplished work and looks forward to continuing to serve clients in today’s fast-paced global economy.
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Eagle Industrial Group
CNC Turning and Milling Combined in Multitasking
With our Mazak Integrex machines, we can machine complex parts all in the same setup saving on machining time, reducing costs, and getting the parts delivered faster.
Machining customers include:
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
EIG is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
EIG Part Examples
CHAD BOERSMA,
EIG President
Chad Boersma founded Eagle Industrial Group in 2008 and has overseen its steady growth to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. As a Marine veteran, Chad is proud of Eagle’s accomplished work and looks forward to continuing to serve clients in today’s fast-paced global economy.
Contact EIG
Advanced Tooling Systems
Our Dies
With several thousand dies under its belt, Advanced Tooling Systems has extensive experience with duel phase material up to DP-980:
Advanced Tooling Systems has the know-how to give stampers the most out of their dies:
On-site Equipment and Staff
With the essential equipment, processes and staff on-site at its 132,000 square foot facility, die and tooling builds can flow smoother, getting the build done in less time and for less money.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
ATS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
ATS Stamping Dies and Parts
Tim McClary
ATS President
Tim began his career as a Journeyman Machinist at ATS over 30 years ago, and has held nearly every position in the company on his journey to his current role as ATS President.
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Engineered Tooling Systems
Our Focus
Engineered Tooling Systems designs, builds, re-engineers, and services small to large sized sheet metal stamping dies and tooling.
With several hundred dies under its belt, ETS has experience with:
Also, Engineered Tooling Systems has the skill to keep dies running by:
On-site Equipment and Staff
Engineered Tooling System’s 22,000 square foot facility allows for increased control over costs and timing, which is passed on to our customers through quality products and on-time delivery.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
ETS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
ETS Stamping Dies And Parts
Ken Berry,
ETS General Manager
Since starting at ETS in 1996, Ken has worked as a Die Maker, Shop Foreman, Design Manager, Estimating Manager, and has been General Manager since 2014. Ken has over 30 years of experience in the tool and die trade.
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Dienamic Tooling Systems
Our Focus
Dienamic Tooling Systems designs, builds, re-engineers, and services medium to large sized sheet metal stamping dies and tooling.
With several hundred dies under its belt, DTS has experience with:
Dienamic Tooling Systems prides itself in being able to keep stampers running with:
On-site Equipment and Staff
With the essential equipment, processes and staff on-site at its 50,000 square foot facility, die and tooling builds can flow smoother, getting the build done in less time and for less money.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
DTS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
DTS Stamping Dies and Parts
DTS Facility
Mike Walker,
DTS President
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Concept Tooling Systems
Our Focus
Concept Tooling Systems designs and engineers small to large progressive, transfer, and line sheet metal stamping dies in full, 3D solids, using:
CTS uses their design experience to accommodate a wide range of tooling orders for die builders throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico; including stamping dies for:
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
CTS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
Jason Anthes – Vice President of Processing
Jason holds a degree in Tool Design from Ferris State University and entered the tool and die industry in 1998. Jason joined CTS in 2005. Throughout his design career, Jason has focused on the processing and simulation areas of design, and he now leads the company’s processing team.
Scott Barnes – Vice President of Design
Scott is a Journeyman Die Maker and has more than 30 years of industry experience. Scott has spent over 20 years of his career in design. In 2008, Scott joined CTS, where he now leads the design team. Scott also has a background in surfacing and programming CNC mills.
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Guo Ji
How It Works
Assessment
Guo Ji seasoned engineers remain focused on your goals, determining the best combination of timing, cost, and savings from the outset.
Troubleshooting
With our on-site project managers continuously monitoring your project, the troubleshooting never ends. Their close scrutiny helps us detect any issues with the die at the point of shipping. This way, replacement parts can be acquired while the die is in transit. When your shipment arrives in the States, the replacement or solution is implemented immediately.
Design
Once your order is placed, we either design the tooling at our in-house design company or send our processes and station lists to Guo Ji Tooling Systems Group to build the die. Our engineers validate and approve it before the build begins.
Shipping
Guo Ji project managers take care of all delivery and customs, so you can avoid the hassles of overseas shipping. Because we have extensive knowledge of customs procedures, regulations and ports, we can expedite your stamping dies and tooling to your destination keeping your projects moving and your bottom line lean.
Services
Guo Ji Tooling Systems has extensive experience creating blanking, progressive, transfer, and line dies for the automotive industry. However, Guo Ji engineers are equipped to create dies for a wide array of industrial applications from appliances and furnishings, to commodity consumer items and more.
Benefits
Guo Ji offers on-site and stateside project management to coordinate and supply everything from engineering, progress reports and shipping, to tryout, finishing, and guaranteeing the quality of your finished product.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
Guo Ji is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
GTS Projects
Justin Smalligan,
Gou Ji President
Justin’s unique career path to the automotive industry includes several years spent living in China as well as earning a master’s degree in Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan. Justin has been leading the GTS team since its inception in 2008, navigating the challenging worlds of stamping dies and cross-cultural international business.
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Ultimate Gaging Systems
Our Focus
Ultimate Gaging Systems designs, builds, repairs and CMM certifies the following:
Our team of designers, tool builders, machinists, and project managers take pride in their level of detail and customer support for every build. With our ever growing inventory of equipment, we have the power and capacity to complete your order quickly and with the quality it deserves.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
UGS is always looking for both established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture.
Jeff Momber,
UGS President
Since starting at UGS in 2012, Jeff has embodied the consistency and professionalism that has made UGS as successful as it is. Installed as President of UGS in 2017, Jeff continues to utilize his 30+ years of experience to lead his outstanding team.
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Tooling Systems Group
Sales And Marketing
The sales and marketing team provides the best price and timing options for small to large stampings dies, hot stamp dies, assembly equipment, and check fixtures produced in North America and China.
As well as being the source for information on Tooling Systems Group, the sales team is also the contact point for requests for quotes (RFQs). They direct incoming requests to the proper member companies, follow up with quotes, and communicate with you and our companies to keep everyone in the loop.
Purchasing
Tooling Systems Group has adopted a shared purchasing system and team for all the member companies’ which has increased the companies economy of scale. Using shared purchasing resources allows each company within Tooling Systems Group to:
Management
The Tooling Systems Group leaders share a level of understanding and expertise you won’t find in most other shops. They began their careers in-house, providing a clear understanding of the processes our employees work with—day in, day out. The individual company presidents operate out of their respective companies while serving on collaborative teams that strive to optimize all facets of our manufacturing business, administering business, legal and financial relations in the group.
DISCOVER OPEN POSITIONS
Our member companies are always looking for established and emerging talents interested in our unique company culture. View our open positions today!