The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) has honored Bill Dobbins, President and Owner of Caster Concepts, with the 2025 Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition acknowledges his decades of leadership, innovation, and positive impact on Michigan’s manufacturing industry
For Dobbins, this award represents more than a professional achievement — it reflects a lifelong commitment to using manufacturing as a force for good.
“This honor reminds me that manufacturing isn’t just about what we make, but the lives we shape along the way,” said Dobbins. “Manufacturing has allowed me to serve my community, support our employees, and continue a family legacy I’m truly proud of.”
Under Bill’s leadership, Caster Concepts, headquartered in Albion, Michigan, has become a nationally recognized innovator in industrial casters and material-handling solutions. Beyond building a thriving business, Dobbins has championed Conscious Capitalism, emphasizing people, purpose, and positive impact alongside profit.
Dr. Dobbins’ journey to manufacturing leadership is as unique as it is inspiring. Trained as a physician, he chose to leave medicine to join his father in the family manufacturing business. Guided by curiosity, critical thinking, and integrity, he transformed Caster Concepts into a model for sustainable growth — and a cornerstone of Albion’s economy.
Through peer collaboration and continual learning — including his involvement with TEC (The Executive Committee) — Dobbins has cultivated a culture of innovation and accountability. Under his guidance, Caster Concepts has grown for decades without a single layoff—a testament to his belief that stable employment and strong communities are inextricably linked.
Dobbins’ leadership extends beyond the factory floor. His commitment to community revitalization and education is exemplified through Caster Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. Initiatives like Innovate Albion provide STEM education and robotics programs to local students, while manufacturing scholarships—established in memory of his father—empower Albion’s youth to pursue careers in skilled trades and engineering. These contributions earned Dobbins the 2022 Michigan Governor’s Service Award, recognizing his dedication to building both industry and opportunity. ”
In his acceptance speech, Dobbins highlighted the guiding values behind his success:
“We’ve built Caster Concepts around the principles of Conscious Capitalism — guided by a higher purpose, stakeholder orientation, conscious leadership, and conscious culture. Profit is good — but it’s our responsibility to invest those profits wisely: benefiting our employees, customers, suppliers, and our community. When all stakeholders thrive, business thrives.”
He concluded by celebrating Michigan’s enduring manufacturing heritage, noting that manufacturing has always been part of Michigan’s DNA. He is very proud that Caster Concepts has played a part in helping bring manufacturing — and confidence — back to our community.
Bill Dobbins’ story embodies everything the MMA Lifetime Achievement Award stands for — innovation, leadership, and community stewardship. His belief that well-run businesses can be a force for good continues to shape Caster Concepts, the Albion community, and Michigan’s manufacturing future.
Through his vision, passion, and example, Bill Dobbins reminds us that manufacturing success is measured not only by what we build — but by the lives we uplift along the way.
