Expanding its global presence: Conservative manufacturer strives to be more nimble

Expanding its global presence: Conservative manufacturer strives to be more nimble

TECUMSEH - There was an unusual arrival at a Chinese air conditioner factory last fall.

A shipment of compressors - a key component of the appliance - produced in India came into the plant of Gree Electric Appliance, which is more accustomed to exporting its inexpensive goods, not receiving products from abroad.

The compressors were manufactured by the Indian subsidiary of Tecumseh Products Co., of Tecumseh. "That would be unusual," said Bill Primosch, director of international business policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. "I haven't heard of that much."

It is one way that the historically conservative firm, in Lenawee County 50 miles north of Toledo, is attempting to become more nimble.