Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, CEO and Executive Director , Automation Alley, Troy, MI.
Watch Tom and Chris discuss how Automation Alley’s MAST-P helps small Michigan auto suppliers diversify, strengthen operations and find new growth opportunities beyond automotive in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Tom in this conversation
- Tom, let’s start at the beginning. What is the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program, or MAST-P, and what problem was it created to solve?
- Michigan has one of the strongest manufacturing economies in the country, but it’s also changing rapidly. What trends are you seeing that make a program like MAST-P especially important right now, particularly for very small manufacturers?
- When people hear the term “supplier transition,” they may assume this program is about leaving the automotive industry behind. That’s really not the case, is it? What does “transition” actually mean, and what kinds of new opportunities are manufacturers being encouraged to explore?
- Talking points: Diversification while maintaining the automotive business; opportunities in aerospace, defense, medical devices, clean energy, electronics, advanced mobility, and other adjacent industries.
- Who is the ideal company for this program? If I’m a small manufacturer listening today, how do I know whether MAST-P is designed for me?
- Talking points: Very small automotive suppliers looking to strengthen operations, diversify, and prepare for future growth.
- One of the most compelling aspects of MAST-P is that it’s offered at no cost to participating companies. What kinds of expertise, resources, and support become available once a company is accepted into the program?
- Talking points: Business assessments, technical assistance, financial guidance, legal support, educational programming, and access to a statewide network of experts.
- Tom, this interview is airing as the MAST-P webinar series gets underway. For manufacturers who are hearing about the program for the first time today, why should they make time to attend one of this week’s webinars, and what can they expect to learn?
- Talking points: Program overview, eligibility requirements, available resources, application process, opportunity to ask questions, and determine if the program is a good fit.
- Can you paint a picture of what success looks like? How might a company be stronger or better positioned after participating in MAST-P?
- Talking points: Improved competitiveness, stronger business operations, new customers, diversified revenue streams, and greater long-term resilience.
- For manufacturers or industry partners who want to learn more after today’s conversation, where should they go? Whether they’re ready to apply or simply want to learn more about MAST-P, what’s the best place to get started?
- Talking points: Visit the Automation Alley MAST-P webpage at https://automationalley.com/mast-p/ for program information and applications, and visit https://mimfg.org/Articles/mast-p-webinar-series-2026 to register for one of the remaining webinar sessions.
Additional Resources:
MAST-P Website: https://automationalley.com/mast-p/
MAST-P FAQs: https://automationalley.com/mast-p-frequently-asked-questions/
Five Fast Facts About MAST-P: https://automationalley.com/2026/05/28/five-fast-facts-about-mast-p-michigans-newest-program-supporting-small-manufacturers/
MAST-P Press Release: https://automationalley.com/2026/04/27/michigan-auto-supplier-transition-program-mast-p-launches-to-provide-no-cost-support-to-small-manufacturers-exploring-new-industries/
MAST-P Webinar Registration: https://mimfg.org/Articles/mast-p-webinar-series-2026
