Oxford-based Acorn Stamping projects 15% growth

Oxford-based Acorn Stamping has grown 48 percent over the last three years and projects 15 percent more due to additional equipment recently purchased. President Bob Cox credits the growth to flexibility, diversity of clients and adaptation to a new economy.

Excerpt:

But for Cox, 48 percent growth over the last three years isn't enough. Seeking additional know-how and a resource for low-cost tooling and handmade labor, he headed to China.

"I've been to China three times - 2005, 2006, and in May 2007," Cox said. "We work with three different tooling companies and three or four manufacturers that each have different capabilities."

His decision to work with the Chinese has not been welcomed by his colleagues in the Michigan Tooling Association, Cox says.

"I find there are a lot of people who get angry when you mention China," he said.

"Rather than stick our head in sand and hope the federal government is going save us, we have to be proactive."

Read the entire article here.