Burkard Industries suits up for defense contracting

Dona Burkard, Vice President of Burkard Industries made a presentation before the Macomb County Planning & Economic Development Committee on September 9, 2009 to discuss the company’s recent successes in working with the U.S. military.  As a local company that was formed nearly 75 years ago, the story of this family-owned business demonstrates how a willingness to diversify and invest in new technologies is the key to survival. 

Founder John Adam Burkard began making caskets in his Fraser garage in 1934.  Before long, he gained a reputation as a quality craftsman that delivered dependable service.  Recognizing an opportunity to expand his line, Burkard invested in the necessary equipment and knowledge to begin casting and treating the hardware for his caskets.  In just three short years, Burkard moved out of the garage and in to a proper factory with a small crew of other craftsman. 

Ever enterprising, it wasn't long before Burkard figured out how to morph his casket hardware line to zinc die casting hardware for the boats, cars and recreational vehicles.  When chrome plating took over as the finish of choice, the company again brought in the necessary equipment and branched out to begin manufacturing commercial hardware as well. 

In 1988, the world learned that chrome plating held certain environmental and public health concerns.  Burkard once again proved its ability to anticipate demand and turned his attentions to meet soaring demand for powder coating.   By 1995, Burkard Industries doubled its building size to accommodate a second powder coating system.  By now, Burkard’s customers include, Daimler Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Freightliner, Peterbuilt Mack Trucks, John Deere, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen, among many others.

As the 21st Century began, the world wanted a metal product that would not corrode and Burkard invested another $5 million in an electro coating finishing product.  As a result, the company was the first in the area to be approved for pretreatment by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM).

Although they were coating parts for different industry sectors, much of Burkard’s work centered on fueling the automotive industry.  By the time that bubble burst, great-grandson Jay Burkard was heading the company.  His wife, Dona joined the company with a Masters of Engineering Management from Oakland University.  Together, they pondered how they could maintain great-grandfather John’s entrepreneurial spirit alive within the company and move it and its 70 employees forward.  

Although Burkard Industries was electrocoating parts for the military for years, it was not working directly with the government as a contractor.  When Dona learned that a “Procurement Technical Assistance Center” (PTAC) was housed at Macomb Community College. 

Lucky for Burkard, Macomb County’s economic development conjoiners are well connected with one another.  Before long, Burkard was connected to a network of service providers that helped prepare for the next big thing.  PTAC helped Burkard not only understand not just how to do business with the government but also, how to improve their chances for being selected as a contractor.  Others providing assistance included the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Defense Contract Coordination Center  and the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development.  Working together, each partner was able to offer resources to help set Burkard in the right direction. 

“Burkard grew into the company that it did because it paid attention to changes in the industry and proactively positioned itself to run the tightest, most efficient line” says Dona.  “Transitioning ourselves to qualify for contracts with the U.S. military was a logical next step for us to take.”

Today Burkard Industries is one of only a few in Michigan with the ability to e-coat, powder coat, liquid paint and apply a chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) all under one roof.  CARC is a process that helps military equipment resist penetration by chemical warfare is readily decontaminated.  

Simply put, Burkard is providing a service that protects our soldiers out in the field.  As an approved supplier for BAE Systems, AM General and General Dynamics Land Systems, parts from all corners of the country are shipped to their Clinton Township, MI  location for final treatment before being deployed in active duty.

The company is running two full shifts and hopes to begin hiring to start a third line to keep pace with growing demand.  As it does, Burkard will continue to take advantage of the resources made available to Macomb County businesses. 

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To learn how Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development can assist your business to diversify and grow, please visit www.macombbusiness.com or call our offices at 586-469-5285.