FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Caster Concepts President and Owner, Dr. Bill Dobbins, Honored with Michigan Manufacturing Association Lifetime Achievement Award
Albion, Mich. — November 10, 2025 — Caster Concepts is proud to announce that President and Owner, Dr. Bill Dobbins, has been recognized by the Michigan Manufacturing Association (MMA) with its Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades of leadership, innovation, and service to Michigan manufacturing and the Albion community.
Dobbins has transformed Caster Concepts from a small family business into a global leader in industrial caster design and manufacturing. His leadership philosophy—rooted in developing people, driving purposeful growth, and building strong communities—has made a lasting impact on employees, customers, and the region.
From Medicine to Manufacturing
Before leading Caster Concepts, Dr. Dobbins spent 25 years as a family physician, caring for patients and families throughout the Albion area. When his father, Richard Dobbins, and business partners opened Caster Concepts in 1987, Bill saw an opportunity to combine his passion for helping people with a new challenge: manufacturing.
At 52, Dr. Dobbins joined the family business, applying lessons from medicine to leadership—focusing on systems, wellness, and sustainable growth. Under his direction, Caster Concepts has grown from three employees in a 6,000-square-foot building to more than 100 employees operating across over 100,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space.
Recently, Caster Concepts expanded its facility by an additional 16,000 square feet, enhancing engineering, testing, and employee wellness areas—illustrating Dr. Dobbins’ belief that growth and culture go hand in hand.
Committed to People and Purpose
One of Dr. Dobbins’ defining achievements is maintaining a stable and supportive workplace. Caster Concepts has never had a layoff in its history, even during economic downturns. This steadfast commitment reflects Dr. Dobbins’ belief in Conscious Capitalism—a business approach that balances profitability with social responsibility.
“Bill’s dedication to his family-owned business goes far beyond financial success,” said Theodore Brown, President/Owner of Thriveon Consulting. “He has always understood that a company’s longevity is tied to the well-being of its employees and the vitality of its community.”
Dr. Dobbins’ son, Andrew Dobbins, serves as Vice President of Manufacturing and continues the family’s leadership legacy as a third-generation manufacturer. “My father challenges us to never settle for good when great is possible,” Andrew said. “That mindset has shaped the culture at Caster Concepts.”
A Lasting Impact on Albion
Beyond the company’s success, Dr. Dobbins has played a key role in revitalizing the Albion community. Together with his wife, Karen, he established the William H. and Karen K. Dobbins Family Foundation to support education, youth development, community improvement, and the arts. The foundation has contributed to initiatives including:
In addition, Dr. Dobbins founded Caster Cares, the company’s community impact program that channels resources and volunteer efforts toward educational, economic, and social initiatives in Albion and beyond. These efforts reflect his enduring commitment to “manufacturing greatness”—in people, in business, and in the community.
A Life of Leadership and Legacy
“Manufacturing has given me the opportunity to impact lives in a new way,” Dr. Dobbins said. “This award represents the dedication and creativity of everyone at Caster Concepts who works every day to make our company—and our community—stronger.”
With the Michigan Manufacturing Association Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Dobbins joins a distinguished group of leaders whose influence extends well beyond the shop floor, symbolizing a lifetime of purpose-driven leadership and community service.
About Caster Concepts
Caster Concepts is a leading U.S. manufacturer of heavy-duty casters and mobility systems engineered to outperform expectations in the most demanding environments. Built on innovation and craftsmanship, our American-made products go beyond standard — delivering precision, durability, and performance where others fail.
We don’t just manufacture casters; we engineer movement. Every solution is designed to tackle our customers’ toughest challenges, with speed, quality, and collaboration.
Proudly made in the USA, Caster Concepts stands behind every weld, every bolt, and every promise — To exceed expectations and go beyond what was thought possible.
Learn more at www.casterconcepts.com.
Bill deMink
Content Manager
Caster Concepts, Inc.
Email: bdemink@brickstreetmarketing.com
Phone: 517.680.7957
