Al and Beth Thieme, Amigo Mobility Chairman & Founder and CEO (respectively) spoke with WLMI 92.9 to discuss Amigo’s history. Along with, the honor of being named 2012 Michigan Manufacturer of the Year by the Michigan Manufacturers Association. Click here to watch the interview.
Original Article:
The 2012 Small Tier Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award is shared by a dynamic husband and wife team. Al and Beth Thieme, were chosen by this year‘s judges to recognize their tremendous story of opportunity, innovation and success.
Al Thieme developed the innovative form of mobility due to a family member‘s loss of mobility from multiple sclerosis. He knew “there must be a better way” for mobility. It was from that determination the first ever power-operated vehicle/scooter was invented and the “friendly wheelchair” was born.
Amigo-Mobility has been a Michigan-based manufacturing company since founded by Al in 1968. His wife, Beth, joined Amigo in 1975. For the Thiemes, it isn‘t about manufacturing a product, but about changing lives. “Our children have grown up around the dinner table talking about the business, talking about the customers, meeting them face-to-face. Our customers are part of our family.”
“It is amazing to hear the comments from people who have purchased our product. It is so inspiring to hear them say how it has changed their life,” said Al.
Al and Beth are passionate about helping those with walking disabilities to maintain their independence and mobility. Along with, their belief that they can make a difference in the Michigan economy. The company supports the state economy by using as many Michigan-based suppliers as possible; 67 percent of Amigo‘s suppliers are from Michigan or immediate surrounding states.
“Our company is built of high-spirited, adventurous employees. They like to drive change and are always focused on the customer,” explains Beth.
New Amigo Endeavors for Al & Beth Thieme:
The Bridgeport company has manufactured more than 200,000 Amigo‘s since 1968. During the acceptance speech, Beth brought a round of delighted laughter when she joked, “We have 11 children—we know production!” All joking aside, Amigo Mobility is truly an innovator and leader in production methods. All Amigo products are completely recyclable and packaged with recyclable materials. In addition, the company has branched off into a new business venture. Parts for Carts, has created additional jobs for the Great Lakes Bay Region. The company purchases and repurposes parts from motorized shopping carts.
This article appeared in the May/June 2012 issue of Michigan Manufacturing Insight.
