It might be easy for an automotive supplier to stick to the same old products, but that's not the approach at
Nexteer Automotive in Saginaw. The proof is in the recent event held at the facility, recognizing 91 engineers at Nexteer for their 80 patents that have been awarded.
Nexteer is a major supplier of advanced steering systems, and bases its research and development work at its Saginaw facility.
"Saginaw is the heart of our global R&D efforts," says Mike Richardson, who is senior VP for the engineering and global steering business line. "Our success as a supplier depends on our ability to develop breakthrough, patentable technology. Today is a celebration, not only of our engineers, but the technology that will drive our future growth."
Of the 80 new patents, 24 were in the field of safety, 16 were related to electronic control, and 40 were mechanical in nature. They also spanned the Nexteer product lines, with 51 patents in columns and intermediate shafts, 20 in electric power steering, and nine in halfshafts and hydraulic power steering.
A special recognition went to Richard Riefe, a senior staff research engineer at Nexteer, who had 13 new steering column patents. Over his 50-year career at Nexteer, Riefe has registered 70 patents in his name.
"Our electronic and software development is entirely in-house, which represents a major competitive advantage," says Richardson. "We are the only steering supplier with complete design integration of its electric power steering, providing optimal control of the overall system. This vertical integration of the design provides real benefit to our customers in terms of responsiveness and ability to fulfill their needs and expectations."
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mike Richardson, Nexteer Automotive
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.