Chair

DFP Engineering LLC

Don Carbone founded Managed Programs in 1997, initially as an engineering firm specialized in development of lightweight engine parts globally, eventually evolving into a manufacturer of these parts. The core of the MPI’s philosophy is Design For Manufacturing to maximize value in the development phase, with a focus on “Design For Profitability” of the Business. In 2017 MPI merged with Performance Design, specialized in Carbon Fiber part technology and the performance market. MPI facilities are located in Detroit, Germany, Korea and China. MPI’s customer base includes most global OEMs from USA, EU, Korea, Russia, Malaysia, China, performance motor sports and marine. As experts in the field of light weight plastic technical parts, MPI has established a strong reputation for developing products essential in today’s changing global automotive market. Don holds an AS degree in Design/ Manufacturing from Alfred Tech (SUNY) and a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. Don started his career at GM in 1979 as a carburetor draftsman and eventually to product engineer in advanced development of plastic engine parts in the early 80’s, in 1993 he moved to Siemens automotive to help establish their integrated air fuel business and after growing that business from $5M in sales to $300M in committed sales in 3 years, he started MPI to focus on bringing this capability to small and medium sized companies around the world. MPI was named the Michigan small business exporter of the year in 2013 and Don was Awarded CEO of CEO’s in 2015. In recent years Don’s role of CEO has transitioned to Caleb Newman (founder of Performance Design) and Don has founded a new entity, DFP Engineering LLC, a consulting firm, focused on enabling SMEs to grow thru new product development, improved margins on existing products and/or expansion into export /overseas markets. Utilizing his 40+ years of experience in business development and DFP he hopes to help small businesses grow and compete with large multinationals who monopolize technology development.