Courtesy of The News-Banner
By Holly Gaskill
Surprises aren’t typically welcomed in manufacturing, but Tuesday’s announcement at American Axle & Manufacturing was certainly an exception.
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce, with a group of chamber ambassadors in tow, popped into a daily meeting Tuesday to honor AAM as the 2026 Business of the Year. “We appreciate everything you do in our community — the list is long — and people like you make our community great,” said Erin Prible, the chamber’s executive director.
After applause and a hearty employee chant, plant manager Dean Vendal accepted the award with thanks to the whole plant. “This is a group effort,” he said. “This has been a long, arduous journey to where we are today.”
AAM, an auto manufacturer based in Detroit, established its Bluffton plant in 2017. The plant has placed a high priority on fostering a dynamic workplace and, in a few years, underwent a massive cultural transformation, Prible said. The yearly turnover had at one time been 90%, but has dropped to a 1% monthly turnover.
In documents nominating the business for the award, the plant was credited with “truly listening” to its employees and model leadership that worked to cast a new vision.
This internal culture has since turned outward to invest in the community. AAM has been deeply involved with local youth, supporting sports leagues, Junior Achievement classes, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Feed Tomorrow’s Future Today backpack program, among other groups. The plant has also hosted multiple blood drives and food drives.
“For the past three years, AAM has been a loyal supporter of our local youth baseball team,” Morgan Meriwether wrote in a nomination letter on behalf of the Knights 14U travel baseball team. “By providing funds for equipment, uniforms and bat bags, they’ve made it possible for young athletes to participate and grow — both on and off the field. This act of generosity reflects their commitment to our community and their belief in support for the next generation.”
“On behalf of all associates of AAM’s Bluffton manufacturing facility, it’s a great honor to accept this business of the year award,” Vendal said in a press release. “This award truly recognizes the spirit of AAM and, more specifically, this facility and everyone who works here. We take pride in our commitment to serving our customers, partnering with suppliers, and giving back to the communities around us.”
AAM will be further recognized during the Wells County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards ceremony Feb. 23, alongside the Citizen of the Year and the Teachers of the Year from the county’s three public school districts.
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