Peak Manufacturing: Making American Dreams a Reality
Meet Amanda Hutchings
Amanda Hutchings never dreamed her professional journey would lead her to the helm of a successful manufacturing company. Growing up, manufacturing wasn’t even on her radar. Like many young women, Hutchings pursued a creative path, dreaming of becoming an artist.
“I thought I was going to art school, but I ended up getting a degree in marketing,” she shared, laughing at how drastically her career had shifted since her days in college.
Today, as President of Peak Manufacturing, Hutchings reflects on her unexpected journey.
“I was working for a non-profit that was housed in a manufacturing facility,” she explained. “To help cover my salary, I answered phones for the manufacturing company. That was my introduction to the industry.”
Her initial administrative role soon evolved into more responsibilities, as she progressed from office management to quality control, operations management, and eventually, president: a journey through her twenties that cemented her in her role before she even turned thirty.
“I never dreamed in a million years that I’d be the president of a manufacturing company, but I’m grateful for every step of the journey.”
Steps to Success
Hutchings climbed the ladder to success at Peak. The hands-on experience is something that Hutchings values deeply, especially in her leadership role.
“I’ve done the jobs that my team does,” she said. “It’s given me an incredible respect for the roles and the people who hold them. We’re like a big family here. Many of our employees have been with us for 10 to 15 years, working their way up from entry-level positions. We’ve all been there, and we all get it. It’s created a really strong sense of camaraderie.”
But for Hutchings, Peak Manufacturing’s success isn’t just about the bottom line: it’s about building a sustainable future for Jackson’s workforce.
Working for the Future
“I have a very strong desire to help with workforce development, especially for youth,” she emphasized.
Hutchings is passionate about introducing young people to careers in manufacturing, an industry she believes offers many untapped opportunities: especially for young, creative leaders and girls just like her.
Through her involvement with organizations like the Shop Rat Foundation, Hutchings is working to bridge this gap.
“We need to expose kids to these careers early on,” she said. “I actually have an 11-year-old son in the Shop Rat Program right now. He’s learning SOLIDWORKS, the same 3D modeling program that my engineer uses here at Peak. He’s going to be able to 3D print his designs, learning about additive manufacturing. I never imagined that my 11-year-old could be learning the same skills that professionals are using in our company, but that’s the power of these programs.”
Hutchings sees this as critical to filling the growing workforce gap in Jackson, particularly as the older generation of skilled workers approaches retirement.
“We have this huge gap coming up with baby boomers retiring,” she explained. “It’s essential that we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to step in. That’s why programs like apprenticeships are so important. They allow adults to earn while they learn, and they’re crucial to meeting the needs of industries like ours.”
Working for Women
In addition to advocating for youth, Hutchings is also a vocal proponent of empowering women in their journey to success in manufacturing.
“Only one in four manufacturing leaders are women, and in my experience, it’s even lower than that,” she noted. “There are so many incredible opportunities for women in manufacturing, but we need to do a better job of promoting them. Women can thrive in roles like quality control, engineering, scheduling, and leadership; jobs that don’t always come to mind when people think about manufacturing.”
For Hutchings, being a role model for young women is personal. “I want girls to see the possibilities in this industry,” she said. “There are so many rewarding careers here that don’t get talked about enough. Manufacturing isn’t just about working on machines. It’s about innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. I hope to inspire the next generation of women to pursue these roles and make their mark.”
Working for Our Community
Peak Manufacturing’s commitment to workforce development extends beyond the walls of its own company. Hutchings plays an active role in the broader Jackson community, serving on the board of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
For her, the connection between a healthy community and a thriving business is clear. “The most important thing for me is taking care of our employees,” she said. “Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. That’s why I’m so committed to making sure our community is a great place for them to live.”
Her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce is a reflection of this passionate dedication. “Being on the Chamber’s board allows me to contribute to the community in a meaningful way,” she shared. “If I can help make our employees’ community stronger and healthier, it benefits everyone. Our success at Peak is directly tied to the success of Jackson as a whole.”
As Hutchings looks to the future, she is optimistic about the role Peak Manufacturing will play in shaping Jackson’s economic landscape. “We’re committed to keeping manufacturing here in Jackson, in Michigan, and in the USA,” she said. “But it’s not just about the products we create -it’s about the people we empower along the way. By investing in workforce development, promoting diversity, and strengthening our community, we’re building something that will last for generations.”