RENK America celebrates 120 years of manufacturing legacy in Muskegon

What’s happening: RENK America, a leading producer of drive solutions for the U.S. military and its allies, celebrated 120 years of manufacturing in Muskegon on July 31. The company hosted hundreds of employees and their families at its Getty Street facility for “RAM Family Day,” a celebration of the workforce that has built defense engines and transmissions for American forces across four generations and two world wars.

What they’re saying: “We have built something truly rare here in Muskegon that is worthy of celebrating; a manufacturing legacy that spans 120 years, five generations of families, and the full arc of American military history,” says Corey Johnson, CEO of RENK America. “Today is a moment to honor the men and women on this floor. Their skill and dedication are what make our mission possible, and their commitment to made-in-America manufacturing is exactly what our country needs as we rebuild the defense industrial base.”

Who participated: The event drew RENK Group AG CEO Alexander Sagel, who traveled from Germany to attend the celebration, highlighting the continued importance of the Muskegon facility as RENK accelerates its investment in Michigan’s manufacturing economy. 

Why the milestone is important: Earlier this year, the company committed $70 million in new capital investment and $80 million in research and development in the state through 2030, supporting up to 270 new jobs.

What’s the personal connection:  Among those marking the milestone was Theresa Johnson, lead of human resources at the Muskegon facility and a fourth-generation employee whose family’s connection to the plant stretches back nearly 90 years. Her great-grandfather began working at the original downtown facility in the late 1930s, and 18 members of her family have since been employed at RENK America.

 “I grew up hearing stories about this plant at the dinner table,” Johnson says. “My great-grandfather worked here. My grandfather spent 30 years here. My father worked here. I’ve spent 25 years walking these floors myself. And now my son works here as well. This place isn’t just a workplace, it’s a part of who our family is, and I know that’s true for so many families in this community.”

What’s the history: The Muskegon facility’s history traces to 1906, when it first produced automobile engines. During World War II, the plant became part of Michigan’s storied “Arsenal of Democracy,” producing powertrains for the U.S. military, a tradition that continues today under the RENK name, which the facility adopted in 2021. The approximately 480-person facility features new machining centers, expanded assembly capacity, enhanced testing labs, and improved logistics flow to support the U.S. Army and its partners.

How it was commemorated: The two-day anniversary celebration began on Thursday with a dedicated Supplier Day, bringing together key partners from across RENK America’s supply chain for facility tours, breakout sessions, and a supplier awards ceremony recognizing the companies whose work underpins RENK America’s manufacturing operations. The event underscored the depth of the supplier relationships that have been central to RENK America’s growth, which will be essential to delivering on its expanded production commitments in the years ahead.