The Warren Sun

Piston Group is a company that has weathered the economic obstacles of 2020 and still continues to move forward into the future with confidence, according to the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA).

“Detroit and Michigan have faced tough times before; they’ve both been written off and come back stronger,” said Gordon Fournier, Piston Group’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer, according to the MMA. “There’s a perseverance and a work ethic here that doesn’t allow you to quit or give up, and I think the team Vinnie has put together exemplifies that attitude.”

Founded in 1995 by former NBA basketball player of the Detroit Pistons Vinnie Johnson, Piston Group has become a multi-billion-dollar company and is Michigan’s largest minority-owned business.

Vinnie Johnson, founder, chairman and CEO of Piston Group | PistonGroup.com

Four businesses operate under the Piston Group brand.

Piston Automotive, the world’s largest value add assembly supplier, handles complex vehicle assembly projects including power train, cooling, electrical and hybrid vehicle battery systems.

Irvin Products has decades of experience in automotive interior technologies and is a leading producer of automotive trim and interior products.

Detroit Thermal Systems utilizes state-of-the-art technology and innovation to produce world-class automotive climate-control systems to optimize driver comfort.

AIREA is a leading commercial interiors company devoted to developing work environments and is a symbol of Johnson’s demand for diverse customer service across multiple industries.

“Piston Group was always going to be successful with Vinnie at the helm. Our success is measured by so much more than revenue numbers or product innovation. It’s built around manufacturing excellence, an energetic team and a charitable vision,” explained Fournier, according to the MMA.

In response to COVID-19-related shutdowns, Fournier and his team put people first by working toward solutions that would get employees back to work while encouraging manufacturers to “stay confident and steadfast in your capability. Even in bad times — especially in bad times — there are opportunities to build toward success," he told MMA.

“In the end, we need to ask how we can use the changes brought about by COVID-19 and make them work for our success, rather than as a barrier to our success,” said Fournier, according to MMA. “If you can be ahead of the curve, you will find success. That’s what we’re looking to achieve, and it’s definitely something any manufacturer can do. Challenge yourself to be great.”