MBE’s management team is a Detroit-based turnkey group of top specialists covering the diverse expertise needed to design and execute closure automation and production with flawless efficiency. Leveraging the strengths of the U.S. free market combined with select overseas tooling, we deliver competitively integrated domestic solutions tailored for automotive OEMs.
Engineered Solutions Featuring Advanced
Design, Innovation, and Flexibility
+1 248-588-8080
© 2025 MODERN BODY ENGINEERING / The CAP Group
Automotive engineering and manufacturing are continually advancing, and at MBE, our team’s expertise is driven by a deep commitment to innovation, competitiveness, skill, and productivity. As we move through 2025, we remain dedicated to developing and delivering cutting-edge closure assembly and material handling solutions.
HISTORIC MILESTONES
1949 | Modern Body Engineering was established by V. Reo Campian, specializing in die design for automotive body stamping applications.
1968 | MBE develops the first stretch toggle draw die and becomes an industry standard still current today.
1978 | MBE pioneers the first cross-transfer die designs in the USA for Volkswagen, establishing an industry standard that remains in use today.
1985 | Jonathon Campian integrates automotive closure assembly processes with stamping.
1989 | MBE develops the world’s first physical 3D osteo-reproduction model using proprietary software applied to CAT scan data from Providence Hospital (Southfield, MI), establishing an industry standard that remains in use today.
1992 | MBE, in collaboration with Pflegehar Co. DE, pioneered the first 3-axis CNC stamping die pattern machine in the USA, establishing an industry standard that remains in use today.
1994 | MBE pioneered the layered CNC foundry pattern technique and completely revised the stamping die pattern standards at GM's Technical Center—establishing a world-class industry benchmark that remains state-of-the-art today.
2003 | MBE combines stamping, closure assembly, and material handling within sophisticated hybrid robotic systems.
2015 | Chris Zapinski, MBE’s lead engineer, oversees the integration of automated transfer systems with cell control operations.
2020 | Robotic vision is seamlessly incorporated into MBE’s solutions.
2025 | MBE consistently advances and delivers cutting-edge closure assembly and material handling products, offering comprehensive turnkey engineering and manufacturing solutions from initial concept through full production.
Modern Body Engineering (MBE), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Madison Heights, MI, is a privately‑held engineering and manufacturing firm specializing in automated closure assembly and robotic hemming systems—primarily for the automotive industry.
1. ROBOTIC CLOSURE/HEMMING SYSTEMS
MBE leads in robotic roller hemming technology, offering patented systems like AIR‑ANVIL™, FLYING‑HAMMER™, SUNROOF™, WHEEL ARCH™, RRVU™, HANG‑ON™, AIR‑HANDLER™, and more.
Our systems automate sealing, hemming, welding, riveting, adhesive application, inspection, and material handling with high consistency and precision .
2. TURNKEY PROJECT SOLUTIONS
From concept to production, MBE supports product DFM analysis, tool design, robotic cell simulation, fabrication, installation, debugging, and startup.
Services include FEA simulation, die design, stamping, digital twins, control systems, robotic vision integration, CMM certification, machining, and repair.
3. GLOBAL PRODUCTION REACH
Over 500 robotic roller hemming stations are deployed worldwide. OEM clients include Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and many others.
MBE utilizes advanced simulation tools (e.g. Metal Forming Simulation, Robot Simulation, Cell Process Simulation) for optimized system layout and control.
Our company holds numerous patents covering its proprietary hemming and material‑handling systems.
Based at 32801 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI (phone +1 248‑588‑8080), MBE operates Monday–Friday, 7am–3:30pm.
Staffed by a specialized team, including engineers, fabricators, and support personnel.
Equipment includes MITUTOYO CMM, MORI SEIKI CNC turning centers, and other manufacturing tools.
MBE primarily partners with automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers, offering bespoke engineering for vehicle body closures and material handling solutions .
We support low‑to‑medium volume part runs—prototype, pilot, and production builds—covering welding, hemming, curing, inspection, packaging, and transport.
