KIMASTLE, a family-owned and operated state-of-the-art automation company based in Chesterfield, Michigan, has a remarkable story that spans over four decades. From its humble beginnings in a 500 sq. ft. facility in New Baltimore, Michigan, KIMASTLE has evolved into a leading automation integrator for plastic assembly applications, serving the automotive, packaging, aerospace, energy, heavy equipment, military, medical, and food and beverage industries. This blog post takes you through the inspiring journey of KIMASTLE, showcasing its unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
The Early Years
In the early 1980s, a young entrepreneur named Kirk Edward Gilewski had a vision to build a company with his family that would support the automotive industry. With a background in model, fixture, and assembly industries, specializing in automation equipment, Gilewski set out to pursue his dream. KIMASTLE’s first opportunities arose in the fuel line industry, where the company’s creativity, low overhead, and focus on engineering and design allowed it to capitalize on small, accelerated projects with short lead times that larger competitors couldn’t handle.
The Name and Family Values
The name KIMASTLE derives from the first two letters of “Kirk, Mark, Steve, and Les,” the four brothers who grew up together and supported one another. This family dynamic ensured the growing success of the company, fostering a culture of job security, support, and clarity on the importance of developing new technology and delivering innovative solutions. From a team of five, KIMASTLE has grown to over one hundred employees throughout the past 30 years.
Expansion and Growth
The 1990s marked a period of significant growth for KIMASTLE. Established customer relationships and consistent investments in new equipment, technology, facilities, and, most importantly, the development of a strong team allowed the company to provide its customers with the reassurance and dependability they needed.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the years, KIMASTLE has achieved several milestones and continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers. In 2000, the company developed and launched its internal estimating and program management database system. In 2010, KIMASTLE secured a $2.17 million contract from the Department of the Army, showcasing its expertise in providing plastic integrations and solutions for the military industry. They have collaborated with TECOM (Training and Education Command for the United States Marine Corps) to produce military implements for military vehicles. Additionally, KIMASTLE provided the latest technologies in plastic welding to military industry suppliers like N2 Imaging Systems and Rockwell Collins.
In 2014, KIMASTLE developed a complex internal tracking and management system, further streamlining its operations. The company launched the K-Base Ergo System in 2016, a standardized ergonomic assembly station that provides a cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing solution. The K-BASE revolutionized the assembly line process, offering an ergonomic and efficient solution that continues to shape the future of assembly lines. And thanks to KIMASTLE, the evolution of the assembly line continues in the hands of another fellow Michigan company. Shortly after the invention of the K-Base, KIMASTLE developed a waste management extruded pipe system in 2019, and in 2023, the company acquired a 60,000 square-foot manufacturing facility.
Looking Ahead
As KIMASTLE embarks on a new chapter in 2024, the company is poised to achieve even greater heights with the launch of its ERP system that provides real-time tracking to increase efficiency. KIMASTLE continues to design, build, and integrate automation systems, offering in-house engineering, design, program management, R&D, sub-assembly manufacturing, robotics and robotics integration, CNC machining, and fabrication. Additionally, KIMASTLE is proud to offer extensive 3D printing services to a variety of industries, utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to print complete innovative solutions to custom tooling desires, with a wide range of materials and color options available.
The company remains committed to providing efficient and effective modular flexible automation, error-proof automation/poke yoking, key process indicators, interchangeable tooling, and modular tooling benefits. True to its founder’s words, “Follow your dreams,” and “Failure is the absence of willingness to attempt the achievement of happiness,” KIMASTLE continues to make visions become reality, delivering cutting-edge automation solutions that give its customers a competitive edge.
KIMASTLE’s remarkable journey from a small startup to an industry leader in automation and plastic assembly is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and family values. With a strong commitment to quality, cost-saving solutions, and customer satisfaction, KIMASTLE has earned its reputation as a reliable partner for businesses across various industries. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant: KIMASTLE’s dedication to making visions become reality.
If it’s made of plastic, KIMASTLE assembles it.
Discover how KIMASTLE can transform your business with its cutting-edge automation solutions by reaching out today!