Delta Research President Bob Sakuta is known by Livonia City Council as the Thomas Edison of the
Livonia Industrial Corridor.
An
expert deep sea fisherman, owner of an expansive collection of original
art depicting Michigan landscapes as well as Michigan's industrial
tradition, an active member of The One Hundred Club of Detroit, Mr.
Sakuta is the owner and driving force of Delta Research -- founded by
his father, Alex, in 1952 in Inkster.
Now celebrating 58 years in Wayne County,
Delta Research Corporation continues to thrive utilizing a basic company premise: "Old-World Craftsman on the leading edge of Technology."
The
precision gear manufacturer of aircraft and automotive components
recently purchased a second building in Livonia, the 61,000 square
foot, vacant former home of Observer Newspapers located on eight acres
at the southeast corner of Levan and the I-96 Schoolcraft Service Drive.
Wayne County EDGE
assisted Delta Research in designing the incentive package for the
$15.4 million project slated to create 35 new jobs when the facility
opens in October. Delta Research has a received a $1.9 million
Brownfield Tax Credit from the
Michigan Economic Growth Authority
(MEGA) to help renovate the obsolete facility, as well as a 12-year ACT
198 tax incentive to soften the additional tax burdens experienced on
the purchase of new machinery and equipment.
"We'll
continue to expand making ultra performance aircraft gears and
high-performance electrical car gears," Mr. Sakuta said. "Wayne County
and the
City of Livonia
were great partners in helping Delta Research make this project a
reality, and presenting it to the MEGA Board. Construction will start
in April, and we've designed a showcase facility that will be expanded
to 75,000 square feet."
Three different companies will be housed
in Delta's new home. Delta Gear will now handle Aerospace Gear
Operations. Tifco Gage, purchased by Delta Gear in 2004 and relocated
to Livonia from Wixom, will continue producing master gears and gages
for traditional automotive markets. Delta Testing and Inspection (DTI)
will be a 17025 certified and NADCAP certified inspection facility for
gear inspection, natal etch, magnetic particle inspection, hydrogen
embrittlement, x-ray and fluorescent penetrant inspection.
Originally
founded to service Detroit's Big Three automotive companies, Bob
Sakuta's second-generation ownership vision launched Delta Research as
a Michigan manufacturing diversification pioneer – expanding gradually
and consistently in spite of Michigan's periodic struggles.
Delta Research
has manufactured throttle linkages for Air Force F-16 fighter jets,
steering differential assemblies for modern Navy vessels, actuator
gearboxes for NASA lunar craft, and exported high-end stainless steel
fishing tackle to Japan – all while providing the traditional domestic
auto industry with world-class gears for various components.
"This expansion is the next step in our plan to become the leading
aerospace gear and gearbox provider in the industry," Mr. Sakuta said.
"Our supervisors average well over 20 years with Delta Research,
and we've maintained several auto accounts over 50 years. But our
vision is always on the future," he added, we are always seeking new
markets, and working out solutions to new manufacturing challenges."