Mike and Tom Gendich welcomed Luther Elliss to Metalmite this month for a meeting about military manufacturing work. Luther has been pursuing a minority status, called 8A, whereby the Department of Defense has set aside programs for manufacturing facilities owned by a minority. Luther Elliss is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League. He played for the Detroit Lions for 8 seasons. He then played for the Denver Broncos for one season, before retiring in 2004. In his time in the NFL, he was a two time Pro Bowler after the 1999 and 2000 seasons. His nickname during his time in Detroit was “Pass Rushing Luther”. Elliss was selected first team All Western Athletic Conference defensive lineman from 1992-1994 at the University of Utah Utes. In 1994, he was selected Western Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, was also named All American, and is currently a member of their Hall of Fame. Luther’s interest in manufacturing started a few years ago as he and good friend General Mark Lott began to talk about the need for good manufacturing in the defense world.
Luther became aware of Metalmite through some various sources and was interested in finding out what they were all about. Luther toured the facility and is seen in the attached picture holding a military bracket with Mike Gendich at his side. At the meeting Mike commented that it was a good thing Luther has a high mechanical aptitude because it is an essential requirement in any aspect of the manufacturing process. The meeting was a wonderful experience for all parties involved and we will see where the future takes the association that was founded.