Upcoming cybersecurity regulations could catch manufacturers off guard and put at risk their ability to perform government contracts.

WALKER — After several years of stagnating sales in its core business, one West Michigan company is diversifying into the packaging industry with a new expansion project.

ZEELAND — A legal dispute challenging the validity of the 2014 merger between Herman Miller Inc. and Design Within Reach could head to trial in Delaware this November.

Fisheries managers witnessed firsthand the devastation caused to coastal communities around Lake Huron when the population of chinook salmon abruptly crashed in 2004.

Two West Michigan dairy producers will collaborate on a wastewater infrastructure project that could spur up to $173 million in future investment in Coopersville.

Herman Miller Inc. closed the third quarter of its 2017 fiscal year with sales down slightly compared to the previous quarter, missing analysts’ expectations.

Blackford Capital has entered the hotel business through a new acquisition under its National Growth Practice.

Bolstered by increased order volume from the Americas and Asia, Steelcase Inc. managed to close its 2017 fiscal year on par with the previous year’s results.

Increasing demand for food safety and animal testing products drove sales higher for Neogen Corp.

After two years in the firearms business, Next Level Armaments LLC has expanded its production facility to accommodate a surge in demand for its rifles and components.

On June 30, John Dunn will step down as president of Western Michigan University after a decade on the job. Over the course of his tenure, Dunn ushered in a new era for the Kalamazoo-based university, playing a key role in striking a partnership with the Cooley Law School and creating the private Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Under Dunn, WMU increased its minority enrollment from 10 percent of the student body in 2007 to 22 percent now. At the same time, WMU’s international student population doubled to 1,833 students. During a visit to Grand Rapids as part of a 10-day farewell tour across the state, Dunn spoke with MiBiz about his accomplishments at WMU and his plans for retirement.

With most experts predicting a surge in defense and infrastructure spending based on the Trump administration’s recent proposals, manufacturers likely will have more opportunities to vie for federal contracts. However, the process of actually finalizing a contract with the federal government is far from easy, said Sue Tellier, owner of JetCo Solutions LLC. The Grand Rapids-based consulting firm assists companies in the aerospace, defense, professional services and other industries in sourcing procurement contracts with the federal government. Roughly 20 percent of the company’s clients work in the aerospace industry. Tellier spoke with MiBiz regarding some best practices for companies pursuing government contracts.

Legislation proposed earlier this month in the U.S. Senate could provide a boost to Michigan’s nascent advanced wood products industry.

GRAND RAPIDS — While many companies decry the lack of available talent as a key challenge, one California-based manufacturer cited West Michigan’s workforce as the primary reason it’s moving into the region.

ALBION — A dispute over several large-scale solar energy projects forced a Southwest Michigan solar equipment manufacturer into bankruptcy earlier this month.

Automakers have some more breathing room to weigh in on federal fuel economy regulations.

Aerospace suppliers are turning bullish on military contracts ahead of what many see as a surge in defense spending, despite the sector taking a backseat in recent years to the commercial aircraft industry.

After less than two years in business, Dutch Girl Brewing Inc. plans to close.

Despite a relatively stable outlook for the automotive sector, industry experts have started noticing evidence of “stress fractures” appearing in an otherwise healthy market.

Patriot Solar Group LLC of Albion on Monday filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan.

Steelcase Inc. has partnered with global tech to capitalize on the growing market for connected devices in the office.

COLDWATER — When Clemens Food Group began searching for a site to house its new 550,000-square-foot pork processing facility, access to wastewater capacity emerged as its top requirement.

JACKSON — Indian Brook Trout Farm Inc. plans to leverage $150,000 it received through a state grant to win vital contracts with national grocery retailers.

Sometimes in business a small ultimatum can make a world of difference.

Sentiment among automotive suppliers improved during the first part of 2017 as executives regained some degree of certainty following the results of the presidential election.

As automation technology continues to advance, lawmakers and industry insiders are working to determine what role a new wave of robotic workers could play in the future social tax structure.

The notion that a worker shortage is fueling the adoption of automation equipment discounts the role technology can play in helping companies compete. 

Despite the rapid expansion of Michigan farmland dedicated to growing hops and grains for the state’s craft beverage sector, experts say the industry has more room to grow. A new Michigan State University Product Center study examines the potential economic impact for Michigan craft breweries to produce beer exclusively with in-state ingredients.

Strong performance in its fleet vehicle business lifted sales for Spartan Motors Inc. throughout 2016.

Demand for lumber throughout the retail, construction and industrial markets drove strong sales for Universal Forest Products Inc. last year.