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Leadership & Company History

Expertise Built Over Three Decades

Leadership Team

MK

Michael K.

Principal Engineer & Vice President

Since 1989

Professional Background

With over 35 years of experience in battery testing, Michael leads operations at Cross & Black as Principal Engineer and Vice President. His engineering background and technical expertise have been instrumental in establishing the laboratory as a leading independent testing facility. He played a key role in achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in 1995 and has since led the development of numerous testing methodologies for both lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems. His expertise spans electrical testing systems, quality assurance protocols, and OEM relationship management.

Contributions

Michael has been an active participant in industry standards committees and has contributed to the development of automotive battery testing protocols. His operational leadership and technical work have been recognized by major OEMs for advancing testing accuracy and reliability in the automotive battery industry.

JZ

John Z.

In Memoriam

Co-Founder & Technical Director

1989–2020

Professional Background

John brought 35+ years of technical expertise to Cross & Black, having played a critical role in facility development and laboratory operations since the company's founding. His deep knowledge spanned multiple battery chemistries, from traditional lead-acid to emerging lithium-ion technologies. John was instrumental in developing test procedures that meet international standards while maintaining operational efficiency.

Contributions

John's technical leadership was essential in expanding Cross & Black's capabilities into 12V lithium-ion testing. He was a trusted technical consultant for numerous OEMs and suppliers, helping them navigate complex testing requirements and certification processes. His legacy continues to influence the laboratory's commitment to technical excellence.

Company Timeline

1989

Cross & Black Inc. founded in Redford, Michigan to provide independent automotive battery testing expertise.

1995

Achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to rigorous and repeatable laboratory standards.

2024

Expanded OEM testing capabilities with new facilities and advanced diagnostic instrumentation for next-generation battery programs.

Company Story

Founded in 1989 in Redford, Michigan, Cross & Black Inc. began with a simple mission: to provide independent, reliable, and technically sound battery testing for the automotive industry. At a time when OEMs and suppliers were demanding more rigorous validation, our founders recognized the need for a laboratory built on precision, transparency, and uncompromising quality.

What started as a small operation focused on lead-acid battery evaluations has steadily expanded into a full-service testing facility trusted by manufacturers and suppliers across the industry. Over the decades, we have refined our methodologies, invested in advanced equipment, and strengthened our understanding of evolving battery technologies.

By the mid-1990s, Cross & Black earned ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, formalizing the quality standards that have guided our work since the beginning. This commitment to accuracy and repeatability continues to define every test we perform.

As automotive programs advanced, so did we. Our capabilities now include a broad range of electrical, mechanical, environmental, and failure analysis services—supported by specialized expertise in 12-volt lithium-ion systems, an increasingly important technology across modern vehicle platforms.

Despite decades of growth, our philosophy remains unchanged:

Deliver clear, unbiased results that help engineers make confident decisions.

Today, Cross & Black stands as a long-established, independent laboratory with the experience, discipline, and technical foundation to support next-generation battery development.

Company Culture

Our Team

Experienced technicians and engineers committed to precision and quality. Collaborative work environment fostering continuous learning and development.

Work Environment

Hands-on testing experience in mechanical and electrical engineering. Innovation and problem-solving focus. Professional growth opportunities for all team members.