OTISCO TWP. — Extruded Aluminum Corp. has landed $250,000 in state grant funding to support the manufacturer’s plans for a $30.4 million expansion near Belding.

GRAND RAPIDS — Bell’s Brewery Inc.’s announcement last week that it’s selling to the parent company of New Belgium Brewing Co. sent shockwaves through Michigan’s craft beverage industry. It also represents the latest in a series of high-profile deals involving Michigan craft beverage companies.

For the ninth year, MiBiz is putting the spotlight on best practices and excellence related to mergers, acquisitions, capital formation and other types of dealmaking throughout Western Michigan. We are seeking nominations for deals completed between Jan. 1, 2021 and Dec. 31 in the following categories:

GRAND RAPIDS — Fuel distributor Crystal Flash Inc. is expanding its service territory in the Midwest following the acquisition of an Illinois-based fuel and propane provider.

GRAND RAPIDS — A venture capital fund that plans to invest in minority-owned businesses has named Ollie Howie as its first managing director.

Here's the MiBiz Growth Report for November 7, 2021.

NORTON SHORES — Nichols Paper & Supply Co., a Norton Shores-based distributor of paper, industrial packaging and sanitary supplies, has been acquired by a New Jersey-based distributor with deep experience in food service packaging and janitorial supplies.

GRAND RAPIDS — The city of Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Office is expanding the number of businesses that can apply for COVID-19 adaptation grants of up to $10,000.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for October 24, 2021.

PLAINFIELD TWP. — Architecture and engineering firm Progressive AE Inc. has joined a national challenge calling for all new buildings, developments and major renovations to be carbon neutral by 2030.

A Northern Michigan electric cooperative will buy power from a large-scale solar project being developed in Cass County.

ZEELAND — A recent acquisition by Gentex Corp. will allow the Zeeland-based company to expand on its offerings to the aerospace industry.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for October 10th, 2021.

The philanthropic arm of Detroit-based utility DTE Energy has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to West Michigan nonprofits to support job readiness, food and education programs.

GRAND RAPIDS — Food, technology and recycling startups were among the 10 winners to receive individual $20,000 awards at this year’s 100 competition hosted by Grand Rapids-based business incubator Start Garden LLC.

GRAND RAPIDS — Varnum LLP has opened an office in Naples, Fla., marking the Grand Rapids-based law firm’s first location outside of Michigan.

WYOMING — Performance Plus Quick Oil Change Centers Inc. has added to its portfolio of oil change and car wash stores with the acquisition of Muskegon-based Van’s Car Wash Inc.

GRAND RAPIDS — Anticipating an uptick in demand for factory-built housing, Grand Rapids-based wood products manufacturer UFP Industries Inc. announced the acquisition of one of its current vendors.

This is the MiBiz growth report for September 26, 2021.

This is the MiBiz growth report for September 12, 2021.

KALAMAZOO — Foodservice and consumer brand packaging manufacturer Fabri-Kal Corp. has reached a definitive agreement to sell to Pactiv Evergreen Inc. in a deal valued at approximately $380 million. 

GRAND RAPIDS — Third-party data center maintenance service provider Service Express LLC has bolstered its international presence with the acquisition of a U.K.-based firm.

DELTA TWP. — Amazon.com Inc. announced today that it will start building its first fulfillment center in the mid-Michigan region, a move that’s expected to bring 500 new full-time jobs to the area.

Here's the MiBiz Growth Report for August 29, 2021.

GRAND RAPIDS — Community development organization LINC UP has named LaKiya Thompson Jenkins as the nonprofit’s new executive director.

WYOMING — City officials are embarking on a multi-million dollar redevelopment of Wyoming’s 94-acre Gezon Park to add a splash pad, expanded parking, restrooms, as well as walking and bicycling paths.

WILLIAMSBURG — Tier 1 automotive and material handling supplier Grand Traverse Plastics Corp. has received state support for a planned $11.5 million expansion near Traverse City that’s expected to create up to 43 jobs.

Here's the MiBiz growth report for August 15, 2021.

ST. JOSEPH — Family-owned temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics provider Hanson Cold Storage Co., which does business as Hanson Logistics, has been sold to a Southeast Michigan company. 

GRAND RAPIDS — Dick DeVos has announced plans to step down as president of The Windquest Group.