The Dauch Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises (DCMME) was initiated in 1987 with grants from Ameritech, Chrysler, Ingersoll-Rand, Hillenbrand Industries and TRW. In fall 1998, the business school announced the naming of the Dauch Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises in honor of the Richard E. Dauch family.
“At American Axle & Manufacturing, we know that competition on a global scale will require the best we have to offer. The same is true for educating our future manufacturing leaders and encouraging innovation in manufacturing and technology research. I believe that DCMME, as evidenced by its past accomplishments and future plans, will play a crucial role in keeping American manufacturing lean, flexible, smart, innovative, profitable, and world competitive,” – Richard E. Dauch, Co-Founder, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM)
Richard E. Dauch, a 1964 graduate of the Krannert School, provided the vision and was a driving force in the creation and philosophy of the then-named Center for the Management of Manufacturing Enterprises in 1988. He encouraged a $1 million gift from Chrysler to help found the center and continued his support for the center until his passing on August 2, 2013.
Dauch was the co-founder of American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) in March 1994. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1997 until his passing. Most recently he served as Executive Chairman of the Board. He also served as Chief Executive Officer from 1994 to 2012 and was President of AAM from March 1994 to December 2000. He was known for his distinctive, direct, get-it-done style of management that helped AAM become one of the top automotive suppliers in the world and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXL. Dauch's reputation as an innovative manufacturing strategist and entrepreneur is widely recognized in North America and around the world.
