William G. Lutz joined Savant as the Laboratory Manager in March 2010.  His past experience includes plant and product engineering, safety, and technical service and development.  Most recently he held the positions of Technology Leader, Global Development Leader, and Market Technical Leader.  During his 27 years with Dow Chemical Company, he was a recipient of the Dow Technology Center and Dow Development Scientist Organization Excellence in Technology Development Awards. 

Bill reflects, “I remember walking into Savant’s conference room and seeing 28 patents on the wall by Savant’s founder Ted Selby and others in the Savant group.  I later learned that’s about half of the company’s patents.  I’m excited to be part of such an experienced and dynamic group of professionals.”  He continues, “I’m impressed with the business model of the Savant Group that looks at unmet needs in the industry and works to find solutions.  I think our experience and synergy matched with a focus on customer service brings a unique perspective to our work and differentiates us from other labs.  I see opportunities for enhancements of our laboratory services including an updated, interactive website.  We are looking at new testing and customer service enrichment in the near future.”

In the past, Bill has conducted product and process development in over 70 facilities globally. He is Six Sigma Green Belt certified. He has been awarded five patents and has one pending.  Bill is a member of seven ASTM International sub-committees, one NSF International committee, and two Canadian Standards Association committees.  He is also a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  Locally, he is a Delta College engineering career advisor and a Bay County Growth Alliance Board member.  Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Saginaw Valley State University, and an MBA from Central Michigan University.  

Michael Habitz took on the new role of SavanTech Project Manager in March 2010.  SavanTech is a division of Savant, Inc. which custom-blends calibration, reference and catalyst fluids for manufacturers of lubricant testing equipment.  Mike has been with Savant since 2002, and served as Laboratory Manager for the past four years.  In his new role, he is expanding SavanTech’s portfolio of products. 

 

“Several years ago we started blending oils to meet a need for instrument reference fluids for a few equipment manufacturers,” says Mike.  “We added catalyst and calibration fluids as the need grew and this area of our business has increased dramatically.  We see real opportunities for growth in custom formulation of fluids for lubricant testing equipment.  We are working to develop new products for the industry; sometimes filling a niche where there is no existing reference oil available.  This is an exciting new venture for Savant and for me.”

 

Prior to joining Savant, Mike had several years experience in blending with Grow Automotive in Detroit.  He served as Research & Development Director for adhesives, and Quality Control Manager for the adhesives and sealants plant.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.