Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center to merge U.P., Traverse City offices
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center plans to merge its regional offices in the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City later this summer.
State grant funding to support JR Automation’s $10M Holland expansion
HOLLAND — State economic development officials have approved grant funding to support an automation manufacturer’s $10 million expansion at the site of a longtime Holland steel fabricator that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MUVE app launches in West Mich. to break down transportation accessibility barriers
ACanadian app developer focused on removing mobility barriers for people with disabilities and the elderly is launching its first commercial deployment in West Michigan.
Wolverine World Wide innovation team aims to solve key challenges for company brands
When outdoor footwear brand Merrell sought a fresh idea to promote sustainability and conservation, it turned to the innovation team at parent company Wolverine World Wide Inc.
SpartanNash renews executive team under Sarsam, faces new proxy fight with investors
When Tony Sarsam took the helm of SpartanNash Inc., he noticed parallels between the West Michigan food solutions company and the previous company he led.
Holland medical device manufacturer expanding to new location
HOLLAND TWP. — A company that manufactures spine, joint, extremity, cardiology and vascular models for the medical device industry is moving to a new and larger location.
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Former Herman Miller exec launches ergonomics-focused office furniture products
After serving nearly three decades as director of seating and ergonomics product management for Herman Miller Inc., Keith McRobert has leveraged his knowledge and experience into a new venture.
Holland startup incubator offers much-need physical space for entrepreneurs
HOLLAND — The launch of a brick-and-mortar startup incubator in downtown Holland is the latest effort to cultivate a thriving tech community in the lakeshore city.
Huizenga Group acquires Churchill Technologies as automation M&A heats up
West Michigan manufacturing automation firm Churchill Technologies LLC has been sold amid what local advisers describe as a “red hot” sector for M&A.
SpartanNash, DoorDash partner to expand on-demand grocery delivery
BYRON CENTER — Grocery retailer and food distributor SpartanNash Co. has partnered with global tech company DoorDash Inc. to provide on-demand grocery delivery for a large swath of the nation.
UFP Industries affiliate acquires Iowa plastic recycler for $17M
GRAND RAPIDS TWP. — Wood products and building materials manufacturer UFP Industries Inc. announced that it has purchased an Iowa-based plastic recycler.
Howmet foundation awards $200K for food science education in Muskegon
The Howmet Aerospace Foundation has awarded $200,000 in grant funding to provide Muskegon-area students with increased access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through the lens of food processing and food science.
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State opens applications for $3M in Industry 4.0 support grants
Manufacturers throughout Michigan can now apply for grant funding to help cover costs associated with adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
‘Big Ben’ Wallace strengthens business ties to West Michigan
Most basketball fans in Michigan recognize Ben Wallace as an iconic figure in Detroit Pistons lore. The 6-foot, 9-inch center helped lead the Pistons to an NBA title in 2004, just one highlight in the four-time all-star’s career. Since retiring in 2012, Wallace has adjusted to life after basketball. His business pursuits also have tied him to West Michigan after he recently bought a stake in Kalamazoo-based Green Door Distilling Co. and also partnered with Rair Cannabis of Michigan, which maintains a location in Lowell, to develop a brand of cannabis products called ‘Undrafted.’ MiBiz caught up with the Hall of Fame player to talk business, basketball and his love for Grand Rapids.
Kalamazoo cannabis Ch. 11 filing tests federal bankruptcy process
AKalamazoo cannabis company’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing will test some particularly murky legal waters and could potentially set a legal precedent for other cannabis-related businesses facing insolvency.
Manufacturers ramp up reshoring to avoid supply chain setbacks
Facing widespread supply chain disruptions over the past two years, manufacturers across the U.S. are increasingly sourcing components closer to home to bolster resilience and ensure product reliability.
Unity Vibration Kombucha to expand with national presence after latest investment
YPSILANTI — Unity Vibration Kombucha LLC, a Michigan-based brewer and the first to develop a kombucha beer, has inked a deal with a national beverage consultant firm to expand sales throughout the United States.
PE-backed Elevator Service Inc. continues Ohio expansion with latest acquisition
GRAND RAPIDS — Elevator Service Inc., a provider of elevator services for a growing coverage area throughout the Midwest, continued to expand its geographical footprint with another acquisition.
Former Pistons star Ben Wallace purchases ownership stake in Kalamazoo distillery
KALAMAZOO — Green Door Distilling Co. now has a National Basketball Association Hall of Fame player within its ownership group.
Grand Rapids Gold considering Van Andel Arena for next venue after DeltaPlex closes
The Grand Rapids Gold is working with downtown entertainment officials to see whether Van Andel Arena could be the minor league basketball team’s new venue, according to a team executive.
Gentex Q1 earnings drop while combating inflation, supply chain delays
ZEELAND — Tier 1 automotive supplier Gentex Corp. continued to absorb blows from a volatile market as its first quarter earnings for 2022 sank below last year’s during the same period.
Legislation aims to bring clarity around liquor licensees’ charitable giving
Newly introduced state legislation aims to bring clarity to a legal gray area that has prevented some Michigan bars and breweries from using their businesses to fuel charitable giving.
Farmland preservation tools aim to lock in ag land uses for future owners
With farmland disappearing at a steady clip in Ottawa County, Julie Lamer and her colleagues are working to develop a toolbox of resources to preserve area farms.
Building suppliers boom as homeowners focus on renovations
Against the backdrop of low nationwide home inventories, many homeowners are deciding to hunker down and invest in home repair and remodeling projects.
Amway sales rebounded in 2021 following COVID disruption, layoffs
ADA — Sales last year for multi-level marketing heavyweight Amway Corp. increased slightly from 2020, anchored by its popular brand of vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements.
Report: Sports tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels in Kalamazoo
The city of Kalamazoo generated $15.4 million in economic impact from more than 40 different local, regional and national sporting events held in 2021, according to a new report.
Muskegon Co. fluid mixing equipment manufacturer plans $6.1M expansion to support growth
WHITEHALL TWP. — Fusion Fluid Equipment LLC, a manufacturer of fluid mixing equipment, plans to invest $6.1 million to expand and double the size of its northern Muskegon County facility.
Breweries enter ‘make-or-break’ year as industry slowly rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic
With 2021 data pointing to a healthy rebound for the ailing nationwide craft beer industry, West Michigan brewers are heading into a pivotal year.
New Ferris State president confronts declining enrollment, post-pandemic opportunities
Ferris State University recently tapped Bill Pink as its new president after he served in the same role at Grand Rapids Community College since 2017. Pink starts the position in June after being selected over 70 other applicants. He brings to the new role a firm grasp on the state’s economic needs based in part on his active roles in multiple regional and statewide economic development organizations. Pink recently shared his vision for leading Big Rapids-based Ferris State, including overcoming recent enrollment declines and seizing partnerships after a recent $115 million capital campaign.
ESG reporting becomes mainstream as companies seek investors, talent
SpartanNash Co. last month released its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report to track its corporate responsibility efforts, the start of what CEO Tony Sarsam called a “transformational journey” for the Byron Center-based grocery retailer and food distributor.