From the outside, Diversified Manufacturing & Assembly looks like any other facility in Sterling Heights’ industrial corridor. But inside, a team of skilled machinists, engineers and robotics experts efficiently produces the heavy-duty components that power some of the most prominent vehicles on the road, from Ford Mustangs to fire trucks.
DMA may not be a household name, but there’s a good chance their work is in the lane next to you.
Founded in 2013, DMA is a minority business enterprise that creates extremely precise metal parts used in automotive, agricultural and off-highway applications. The company is a quiet powerhouse behind the scenes, crafting core components that help vehicles move safely and reliably.
General Manager Inacio Moriguchi, who brings more than 40 years of manufacturing experience to the company, saw an opportunity early on.
“We saw a lot of need for this kind of supplier,” he said. “We provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 machining and some assembly in the driveline business.”
The operation officially began machine-producing parts in 2016, and today DMA’s production roster includes axle carriers, differential cases, ring-gear components, flanges and other driveline parts essential to the likes of Ford, GM and American Axle.
A key part of DMA’s competitiveness is its ability to handle both high- and low-volume programs. High-volume work, Inacio explained, means anything more than 250,000 units per year. Robotic machining systems allow DMA to keep pace with major automakers’ demands, while flexible processes support smaller batches.
But scale is only one piece of the story. DMA’s reputation is built on quality and safety, and their records reflect that. The company has maintained zero workplace injuries over the last two years and holds some of the industry’s highest certifications, including IATF 16949 and Ford’s prestigious Q1 status.
“We have 100 percent on-time delivery with all our customers,” Plant Manager Tracey Benenati said. “That’s a very big deal, and not a lot of suppliers can say that.”
Inside the company’s metrology lab — the space where parts are measured, inspected and verified — DMA uses advanced coordinate-measuring machines to ensure every component meets exact specifications. While many manufacturers inspect only as frequently as required, Tracey said DMA routinely exceeds those expectations.
“If my customer says to check two parts every four hours, we’ll check two parts every hour,” she said. “Because of the tolerances you’re holding for these parts, we make sure we’re constantly producing at the highest quality.”
For both Tracey and Inacio, DMA’s biggest point of pride isn’t its high-tech machinery or its millions of precision-made parts shipped yearly — it’s their people.
“We would not be who we are without our staff,” Tracey said, who has been with DMA for 15 years. “The quality of knowledge they have to produce these parts is huge. They take pride in their jobs.”
“Money can buy technology,” Inacio added, “but it cannot buy people. The quality here is because of our employees.”
Many team members have been with the company for more than a decade, creating a deep bond throughout the facility. Recognition is woven into the daily culture, from Diamond Awards for standout employees to simple gestures like shared lunches or celebrations.
“Our shop floor is very good at recognizing one another for going above and beyond,” Tracey said. “All of us wear many hats to make sure DMA runs like a fine-toothed comb. Nobody holds a title when it comes to respect or being willing to pick up a broom when needed.”
Looking ahead, DMA is expanding beyond automotive and agricultural markets. The company recently achieved CMMC Level 1 certification, allowing it to begin supplying the U.S. Department of Defense, a major step in its continued growth.
For Tracey, the message she hopes the community hears is simple: “DMA takes pride in what we do, our quality, our standards, our delivery and, most importantly, our people. We want others to see the value in partnering with us.”
Inacio added, “It’s about creating jobs and helping the company grow. If you have good quality and good cost, give the local company an opportunity.”
With a second facility available for expansion, a new defense certification and a strong reputation among major manufacturers, DMA is positioned for continued growth in Sterling Heights.
Diversified Manufacturing & Assembly is located at 5545 Bridgewood Drive, near 18 Mile and Mound roads.
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