Automated Packaging Systems was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as one of Northeast Ohio’s largest privately-held companies, ranking #28 on the Top 50, based on annual revenue.

Automated Packaging’s #28 spot landed them just below the Cleveland Indians (#26) and Cleveland Cavaliers (#27).

Automated Packaging Systems designed and manufactured packaging systems and products for over 50 years and has 30,000 packaging systems in operation worldwide. Automated Packaging Systems offers baggers, void-fill and protective packaging systems, stretch sleeve labels, thermal transfer imprinters, counters, scales and specialty packaging materials.

Automated Packaging is headquartered at 10175 Philipp Pkwy., Streetsboro, OH 44214.  Email: info@AutoBag.com Web: AutoBag.com


Earnest Machine named four people to its corporate office team:

Jim Dowling and Diana Barnes joined the sales team. Dowling brings 10-years experience to Earnest.

Jared Keipert joined purchasing in a new role of material analyst / buyer. Kelpert will manage the relationship with platers, analyzing data for product expansions such as recently added domestic finished hex nuts.

As part of expanding engineering and manufacturing, Landon Patten joins Earnest in an internship program with Lorain County JVS. Patten will focus on shipping and receiving plus operate CNC lathes, conduct quality checks and keep production records.

Earnest CEO Kirk Zehnder said that in sales, purchasing, operations or marketing, “We’re always asking ‘How can we help you today’. Our newest team member are ready to hit the ground running and we’re excited they share our values of putting the customer first and creating the intentionally better experience we strive for.”

Founded in 1948, Earnest Machine is a global importer, distributor and manufacturer of large diameter and hard-to-find fasteners for agriculture, construction equipment, heavy transportation, mining, structural construction and wind industries. Earnest has sales offices, warehouses and manufacturing in England and Cleveland, warehouses in Atlanta and Indianapolis, and is based at 1250 Linda St., Rocky River, OH 44116. Web: EarnestMachine.com


Hahn Systems LLC named Spencer Jessee as VP of revenue and market strategies. Jessee has 29 years of experience in the fastener industry.

Hahn Systems is marking its 80th anniversary.

Founded in 1938, Hahn Systems was acquired by Scott Brown in 2007. In 2016 Brown sold Hahn Systems to global industry and building sector product distributor Descours & Cabaud. Founded in 1782, D&C is headquartered in Lyon, France and has 12,500 employees in 14 countries. Web: Descours-Cabaud.com/en

Hahn distributes fasteners, adhesives, sealants, abrasives, MRO products and tools. Hahn has branches in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan, and is headquartered at 8416 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268. Tel: 317 843-1603 Web: HahnSystems.com


Innovative Components Inc. received ISO 9001-2015 certification for its Illinois facility. Innovative Components earlier received the certification for its Costa Rica location.

Innovative Components cited the certification as “creating a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making as well as better process integration, which leads to overall improvement of customer satisfaction.”

Innovative Components announced it has begun manufacturing a thread identifier for lug nuts and wheel studs: Lug Thread Detective.

Founded in 1992, Innovative Components manufactures plastic clamping knobs, quick release pins, wire rope lanyards and Thread Detectives.

The company has developed techniques of using recycled plastics with no compromise in mechanical or aesthetic values. In 2017 recycled content exceeded 82%. Innovative’s eco-friendly policies led to an agreement with a major recyclers of e-waste – computers, monitors, printers – ensuring access to recycled resins.

Innovative Components is headquartered at 1050 National Pkwy., Schaumburg, IL  60173. Tel: 800 566-2774 Email: sales@KnobSource.com Web: KnobSource.com


Vlier Products is marking its 75th anniversary during 2018.

Founded in 1943 in Burbank, CA, Vlier initially supplied engineered parts for bombers and battleships. After World War II, Vlier created what would become its flagship product: the Vlier Pin to fixture small parts in tight, compact spaces.

“The average person, knowingly or unknowingly, has likely interacted with one of our products,” general manager Thomas Foley said, noting Vlier parts can be found in military aircraft, the space station, credit card readers, surgical instruments, rollercoasters and high-speed rail.

Vlier’s catalog today totals 3,300 standard parts, including spring-loaded devices, quick-release plungers, leveling devices and mechanical components.

Vlier holds ISO:9001 and AS9100 certifications.

Foley said Vlier plans to branch out into additional markets.

“We’re nimble. As technology changes or improves, we follow suit. In fact, we oftentimes must stay ahead of the technology to accommodate its demands.”

Vlier Products, a division of Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry, is headquartered at 82 South St., Hopkinton, MA 01748. Tel: 800 821-1090 Email: Vlier@Vlier.com Web: vlier.com