ANN ARBOR, MI-Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Co.’s group vice president for global manufacturing and labor affairs, and Dwight Carlson, chairman and chief executive officer of Ann Arbor, MI-based Coherix, have received Shien-Ming Wu Awards. Coherix provides metrology systems that use digital holography to measure machined parts.

Established in 1999 in honor of the late University of Michigan Professor Shien-Ming Wu, the global award recognizes automotive executives who have “made a profound impact on the manufacturing industry and serve as a role model for future leaders in terms of vision, strategic thinking, courage and the ability to build a winning organization.”

Ford’s Hinrichs is responsible for the operation of 105 assemblies, stamping and powertrain plants worldwide and also has responsibility for labor affairs, material planning and logistics, and the company’s manufacturing business office. In addition he is responsible for Automotive Components Holdings, the Ford-managed temporary holding business comprised of former Visteon plants and facilities in the United States and Mexico.

“This award has special meaning on a number of levels,” says Coherix’s Carlson. “Sam Wu was a close friend-someone whom I admired both personally and professionally. To receive an international award named in memory of a man of Sam’s stature is an honor without equal.

“Sam Wu’s work in the field of engineering has had a tremendous impact on generations of manufacturing engineers and at companies throughout the automotive industry,” Carlson adds.