Report: Spiking equipment repair costs add to restaurants’ challenges
Already pinched by an ongoing dearth of available workers, restaurants are also facing significant increases in their expenses tied to equipment maintenance and repairs.
2 new Shape partnerships bringing more sustainable materials to auto industry
A West Michigan Tier 1 automotive supplier is leveraging two longstanding partnerships with overseas metal providers in an effort to bring more sustainable materials to the auto industry.
GR tech startup raises $4.4M to help employers analyze staff competencies
After spending nearly a decade in workforce development, Katie Hall set out to develop software that allows employers to better utilize their current employees.
GFS partnership addresses industry labor shortage with robotic food prepping
WYOMING — As a food distributor serving a large swath of the country, Gordon Food Service Inc. is closely involved with the pain points facing restaurants and food service operations.
Big Rapids auto supplier plans 60 permanent layoffs in coming months
BIG RAPIDS — A local auto supplier plans to permanently lay off 60 employees this summer, citing a loss of work in a notice to state officials.
GR tech firm accepted into renowned California accelerator as it looks to scale up
A Grand Rapids-based tech startup is leveraging a potentially game-changing opportunity as it enters a nationally renowned accelerator program.
Construction progresses on Whirlpool’s new $60M technical center in St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH — Executives for home appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corp. plan to finish construction on the majority of the company’s new $60 million technical center in the second quarter of 2023.
SpartanNash acquires 3 Shop-N-Save West Michigan grocery stores
BYRON CENTER — Food retailer and distributor SpartanNash Co. has closed on a deal to purchase the Shop-N-Save Food Center chain of grocery stores.
Inaugural conference to promote diversity in technology sector
GRAND RAPIDS — A three-day conference slated to kick off Thursday in Grand Rapids will promote diversity in the technology industry.
SpartanNash fends off activist investor group’s attempt to seat 3 directors to board
BYRON CENTER — Food retailer and distributor SpartanNash Co. has fended off efforts by an activist investor group to seat three directors on the company’s nine-person board.
Walker-based Altus expands production of in-demand telehealth mobile workstations
WALKER — Technology workstation manufacturer Altus Industries Inc. has expanded one of its marquee product lines as demand for telehealth solutions continues to rise across the country.
Federal judge rules in favor of Northern Michigan wineries challenging local ordinance restrictions
PENINSULA TWP. — A group of Northern Michigan wineries have found relief from a collection of township ordinances that business owners said restricted their operations and limited significant revenue streams.
Metro Grand Rapids, Detroit selected for expanded federal urban agriculture program
Metropolitan Grand Rapids will be home to a new federal urban agriculture committee designed to help the nation’s Farm Service Agency administer its programs at a local level.
West Mich. higher ed sees major recent leadership turnover
West Michigan colleges and universities saw significant leadership turnover during the spring, bringing in a new crop of presidents as workforce development proves crucial during a widespread talent crunch.
‘Ridiculous’ federal rule change could close 20 Michigan Works! training centers
The Michigan Works! Association, which provides a wide range of services for both job seekers and employers throughout the state, says a proposed federal rule change would strip the agency of significant resources.
Grand Rapids Gold bringing basketball back to downtown GR with 5-year deal at Van Andel Arena
Gold officials this week announced that the team will play its 24 home games at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids this coming season.
Two Grand Rapids PR veterans pursue new opportunities
West Michigan Goodwill launches joint venture to recycle landfill-bound plastics
A newly established partnership will allow Goodwill Industries of West Michigan Inc. to reduce plastic materials that are plentiful in its current waste stream.
JR Automation CEO discusses company’s growth trajectory in Holland
JR Automation Technologies LLC — which designs, builds and integrates automated manufacturing and robotic technology on a global scale — has unveiled yet another expansion effort in Holland.
Hudsonville Ice Cream, Coastal Container plan Holland expansions totaling $87.7M
Two newly announced business expansions in Holland are poised to generate $87.7 million in private investment and bring 138 new jobs to the area.
The Collaborative Lab offers high-tech production space for in-person, live-streamed events
Three Grand Rapids-area entrepreneurs have launched a new high-tech production space to meet the digital needs of area businesses.
West Michigan-developed ‘Craigslist for local food and farms’ app nears 100K users
Local entrepreneur Terra Osman leveraged her self-taught development skills to create a mobile app that connects buyers and sellers of local produce and garden supplies.
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.
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.