Great Recession lessons help Dimensional Control Systems through pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the auto industry in early April, John Mathieson, CEO of Dimensional Control Systems, was determined not to repeat a chapter from the 2008-09 recession.

The Troy, Mich., engineering software company, like other businesses back then, had to shrink to survive. It then found the cost to replace highly skilled engineers was extremely high.

Automakers and suppliers employ contract workers who help them fill key roles as new vehicles are being developed. Many of these contract workers report to work every day at other companies. Dimensional Control Systems had about 30 contract workers from automakers and suppliers working on-site when the auto industry came to a standstill in April.

Mathieson offered those workers full-time jobs with benefits, including health insurance. Not only were the contractors able to continue doing at least some of the work Dimensional Control Systems had been hired for, but the company also offered them training to broaden their skills.

Says Mathieson: "DCS's employees are its greatest resource. Our dedicated people are truly what has made us a successful small business. I have always believed that it is important that we do as much as possible to stand by them during good times and bad, and this has resulted in a generally positive and happy work culture throughout the years."

The company plans to keep its contract employees on the payroll until they are called back to work by automakers.