The Mayflower Story

Founding & Background

Andrew Halonen started Mayflower Consulting in 2009 to focus on market research, technical marketing, sales and business development services with a focus on lightweight materials in transportation.

Andrew earned a BS Mechanical Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University, and during college, he interned at Ford Motor Company and 3M Company. Upon graduation, he joined the innovative 3M Company and worked there for 8 years. During the time in Livonia MI in the automotive market, Andrew learned of his calling, to be the technical liaison between engineering and the market.

Mayflower Consulting helps clients Explore new markets, Discover new product opportunities, and Create new business success, a process that is rooted in the ability to make influential connections.

Mayflower Consulting played a critical role in the organization of 2018 and 2019 Lightweighting World Expo events held in Novi MI. Our role included the planning of topics (BIW, chassis, glazing, interiors, additive mfg, powertrain, battery boxes, fastening / adhesives, etc), and identification of keynote and category speakers, along with attracting exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. Many commented that it was ”the best quality lightweighting event,” yet unfortunately the market downturn canceled future events.

Andrew is active in the commercial trucking market on a number of fronts:

  • Lead researcher on N.A. Council on Freight Efficiency (NACFE.org) study on tractor & trailer lightweighting. The latest report includes commercial electric & fuel cell vehicles.
  • Research on aluminum extrusions in commercial trucks, trailers and ‘last mile’ delivery vans and trucks.
  • Business development on improved gray iron brake discs & drums by using niobium grain refinement for lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • Sales engineer on lightweight aluminum castings for military, commercial truck & bus EV’s, and performance vehicles.

Andrew is active in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Foundry Society (AFS), the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

History, Motivation, Brakes & Suspension Materials

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Where does the name "Mayflower" come from?

Our name was inspired by the company’s headquarters in Mayflower Location (Keweenaw Peninsula, Upper Michigan). The area was named after the Mayflower Mine, one of many copper mining explorations that discovered massive lodes of copper during the early 1900s. The Keweenaw Peninsula was once the largest copper producer and exporter in the country.

While mining operations have since shut down, Mayflower Consulting continues to help clients Explore new markets, Discover new product opportunities, and Create new business success, a process which is rooted in the ability to make influential connections.  Mayflower Consulting is currently working with a number of other mining products – aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and niobium (Nb).