HOLLAND — After manufacturing a specialized line of food processing equipment for 30 years, Lakewood Fab Tech LLC wants to embrace new opportunities by refocusing its business on designing custom machines for the industrial market. 

Experts in the automotive industry have a simple message for companies figuring out how to navigate a changing vehicle market: Embrace the eventual shift to autonomous cars or you will cease to exist. 

HOLLAND — As work becomes more digitized and mobile in nature, economic developers will need to add yet another high-tech tool to their toolbox to attract and retain businesses and talent. 

Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Inc. completed a $1.1 million round of fundraising from investors last month.

Blue Star Automation LLC closed its first deal earlier this week with the acquisition of Impres Engineering Services LLC, a Holland-based machining and engineering firm.

As Michigan’s industries have evolved over the years, so too have the roles economic developers play when it comes to helping businesses grow and expand in communities across the state.  

HOLLAND — A West Michigan equipment manufacturer wants to leverage its engineering pedigree to navigate a consolidating industry.

Despite some uncertainty about the health of the global economy, West Michigan product development and engineering firms remain bullish on the manufacturing sector, at least for the short term. 

As craft beer exports present consistent growth opportunities for American producers, internationally-distributing companies such as Grand Rapids-based Founders Brewing Co. note that overseas markets are making up an ever-increasing portion of their sales.

While revenues declined slightly in the fourth quarter, Steelcase Inc. benefited from a tax restructuring and the partial sale of an investment to drive earnings.

A positive North American market continued to drive sales in Herman Miller Inc.’s (NASDAQ: MLHR) third quarter.

As they approach retirement age, many family business owners are considering who to trust when passing on the leadership in the organizations they’ve built. 

ZEELAND — Manufacturers have had to get creative in balancing the dual workforce needs of attracting new talent — particularly young people — and retaining their existing workers. 

As the medical device industry continues to expand globally, the sector has entered a period of mass consolidation. 

As West Michigan automotive suppliers race to meet customers’ orders in what’s expected to be another banner year in 2016, those companies must also keep their eyes forward and prepare for the next downturn in the business cycle.

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Pashon Murray keeps herself incredibly busy. Murray splits her time between managing her three companies — Detroit Dirt LLC, International Dirt L3C and personal brand Pashon Murray Inc. — while at the same time serving as a fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. 

As the craft brewing industry matures, many West Michigan producers have started seeking out technology that provides sustainable solutions to common issues. 

Manufacturing industry groups are tracking a number of key policy issues this year that could have a variety of implications on their West Michigan members. 

WALKER — As industrial production levels continue to rise and West Michigan manufacturers reach full capacity, companies need to decide whether to invest in adding capacity or turn to other organizations in the supply chain. 

Backed by a string of profitable years, many West Michigan manufacturers are investing in labor-saving technology and providing themselves a hedge against future softening in the market. 

Wolverine World Wide Inc. reported declining revenues in the fourth quarter and for its 2015 fiscal year.

New legislation U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is co-sponsoring would open up federal grant dollars to universities and colleges to develop concurrent dual enrollment programs with high schools.

In a bid to grow the talent pool for Michigan’s nascent craft brewing industry, Byron Center-based Pilot Malt House LLC has announced a $500 scholarship for students in the sustainable brewing program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

As the automotive supply chain prepares for a rapid increase in new model launches, manufacturers must also contend with several other trends in the industry ranging from production scheduling to the ripple effects of last year’s mega deals. 

A contractual dispute over a $1.125 million equipment purchase has resulted in legal action between Mill Steel Co. and Illinois-based steel processor The Material Works Ltd. 

eAgile Inc., a maker of radio frequency identification (RFID) products and software, hopes to raise up to $3 million to expand its overseas business serving the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food industries.

Bolstered by mild weather and strong performance in its retail and industrial markets, Universal Forest Products Inc. reported an 8.5-percent increase in annual sales.

Facing what they say is a dearth of qualified technical talent, manufacturers have been forced to get creative in developing their own internal training programs. But despite those efforts to fill the gap, companies still rely heavily on community colleges to train the next wave of workers. 

The Right Place Inc. has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) to host a free event aimed at connecting West Michigan businesses with supporting resources.

Market uncertainty in Asia combined with negative currency translation effects resulted in a modest increase in global sales for Haworth Inc. this year.