Dicastal North America (DNA) is a wheel manufacturing company that is a part of CITIC Group, which is a large investment group based out of China. DNA was founded in 2014. We are the first facility for Dicastal in the United States. Our facility is located in Greenville, Michigan. We create wheels, from raw aluminum ingot to final finished product, all in house. The facility is state-of-the-art, including low pressure die casting machines, heat treat ovens, laser etching, 100 percent X-ray inspection, automated machining cells, automated deburring, helium leak check, and a state of the art paint line.

Throughout the process, we have more than 50 robots, and 40 CNC vertical lathes. We are in the process of completing our surface machining process, in which we will be able to machine the face of a painted wheel and then clear coat it for a polished effect. This effect can be seen in wheels that are black, but have silver accents on them. We manufacture wheels for several of the big automotive companies.

As a co-op at DNA, I am part of a small team of engineers who take on a wide variety of problems, usually utilize a cross functional team to focus on the highest priority issues, and get challenges solved quickly and efficiently. Also, as this is a new facility, I can interact with machine suppliers as they install new equipment. I go through the training to operate new equipment and write work instructions to help guide the operators on how to properly use and care for equipment. 

Another project which I often work on is trial runs. As we start each process and produce new wheels, we need to validate that the machines are working properly which ranges from a dimensional change to the wheels to a structural change which can adjust the hardness and tensile strength of a wheel. I have the responsibility of tracking wheels throughout the process and making sure that the proper testing is done. Another version of the project that I often work on at DNA is sourcing. Currently, we are working on sourcing new tooling for one of our presses.

My experience at DNA has been very valuable. It is a unique position where I am able to grow with the company and engineering team. I have learned a lot about manufacturing and the planning challenges that accompany setting up a new factory. DNA has all of the advantages of a start-up company with areas for development and room for improvement, but without the uncertainty that plagues smaller start-up companies. My experience working at DNA has been great, and I hope to continue my co-op experience and grow with the company.