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Displaying items tagged: Harbour Results Inc

Sunday, 18 December 2022 20:35

Auto suppliers prepare for more slow growth, challenges, as forecast begins to brighten

While automotive suppliers in West Michigan may hope to finally emerge from the “dark winter” of the last three years, the vehicle
production outlook for 2023 portends more challenges ahead, although some bright spots are beginning to dot the mid-term forecast.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 08 May 2022 18:00

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.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 10 April 2022 18:28

Kentwood manufacturer’s bankruptcy filing highlights industry swings

KENTWOOD — A Grand Rapids-area manufacturing group that made recent and significant investments in the casino gaming machine industry has filed for bankruptcy after accumulating more than $10 million in debt.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 12 September 2021 17:00

Aging workforce complicates succession planning for manufacturers

Family-owned manufacturing companies are facing similar challenges as the industry at large as succession planning is complicated by an aging workforce.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 15 August 2021 18:10

Supply chain woes trickle down automotive industry, cause significant challenges

When asked how his company is managing the fallout of a microchip shortage that has crippled the automotive industry, Neil Boehm paused.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 09 May 2021 17:40

Manufacturers shift from pandemic shutdowns to supply unpredictability

Laurie Harbour compares life in today’s manufacturing industry to a game of whack-a-mole as company leaders find themselves addressing one problem only to encounter another.

Published in Manufacturing


Sunday, 20 December 2020 19:38

Manufacturing faces talent problem heading into a crucial 2021

As manufacturing continues to lead both in statewide and nationwide economic recovery, the sector will still need to address a chronic issue that has only worsened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 27 September 2020 18:35

Great Lakes trade center helps manufacturers compete with imports

More than five years ago, Avio-Tech Ltd. quoted a project to produce control panels and components for industrial conglomerate Textron Inc.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 16 August 2020 18:30

Market downturn could spur M&A activity among global auto suppliers

The recent and sudden downturn in the automotive industry is likely to lead to a flurry of bankruptcies and sell-offs by distressed suppliers, not unlike what the industry witnessed on the heels of the Great Recession.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 19 July 2020 18:23

Report predicts slow manufacturing rebound while some remain optimistic

While the COVID-19 pandemic was quick to hit, instantly styming manufacturing throughout Michigan and the country, the bounceback will likely not be as swift.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 26 April 2020 18:15

Shutdown could delay new vehicle launches, increase pricing pressure

Automakers are delaying or rethinking the timing of new vehicles as production disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic linger into the spring.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 24 November 2019 19:15

Negative outlook continues among auto suppliers

The collective outlook among automotive suppliers is moving deep into negative territory as trade tensions, declining volumes and weakness in the U.S. economy weigh on the minds of manufacturers. 

Published in Manufacturing


Sunday, 12 May 2019 22:06

‘SIGNIFICANT ASSET’: Amid slowdown in launches, new threats, West Michigan tooling industry braces for change

The challenges confronting Michigan’s tool, die and mold makers are deeply rooted. The state hosts more than twice as many tool and die workers compared to any other state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the undisputed leader of the industry, Michigan also suffers the greatest consequences of its uncertainty.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 12 May 2019 22:04

TIME OF REINVENTION: Tool & die shops prioritize savvy investment strategies to avoid getting over-extended

While tool and die shop owners are hunkering down and tightening their belts in anticipation of a decrease in available work, some small- to mid-sized operations in West Michigan have already been forced to close their doors.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 12 May 2019 22:01

Q&A: Laurie Harbour, President and CEO, Harbour Results Inc.

At Southfield-based Harbour Results Inc., Laurie Harbour leads a company of analysts and consultants who use data and experience to help small- to medium-sized manufacturers develop strategies to improve their operations, reduce risks and optimize business.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 25 November 2018 21:19

Writing on the Wall? West Michigan auto suppliers react to expected slowdown

With 2018 shaping up as slower than expected for the automotive supply chain, West Michigan-based tool and die makers are embracing diversification to counter the cyclical industry.

Published in Manufacturing
Friday, 31 August 2018 20:28

Dienetics adjusts to changes in automotive industry landscape

JENISON — The changing automotive industry is forcing West Michigan manufacturer Dienetics to adjust how it does business.

Published in Manufacturing
Saturday, 21 July 2018 11:02

Betz Industries to add machining capabilities with new facility

WALKER — Citing increased demand from its automotive customer base, Betz Industries Inc. wants to expand its manufacturing capabilities at its sprawling West Michigan campus.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 13 May 2018 19:00

Paragon Die & Engineering invests in machinery, facility

GRAND RAPIDS — Driven by customers’ needs to lightweight large components, Paragon Die and Engineering Co. is adding new equipment and expanding its facility in West Michigan.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 29 April 2018 15:17

Slowdown ahead? Tooling execs remain optimistic, but concerns emerge over auto plateau

While most economists still believe in the strength of the overall economy, some West Michigan manufacturers say their business has begun to soften, indicating a slowdown could be starting to emerge.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 04 March 2018 17:53

West Michigan mold builders plan to hire, raise wages this year

GRAND RAPIDS — Many West Michigan mold manufacturers are looking to get ahead of the oncoming wave of employee retirements by hiring more employees this year.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 26 November 2017 15:41

Competitive forces: Despite projections for a record 2018, tool and die suppliers brace for a cyclical downturn

With 177 new vehicle launches expected by 2020, tooling suppliers like Walker Tool & Die Inc. are bracing for another busy period in what’s been a string of good years for the industry.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 30 April 2017 15:13

Automotive industry braces for ‘talent crisis’ in tooling

The sector that provides the majority of tooling, fixtures and molds required to manufacture automotive components is facing a crisis.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 22 January 2017 11:34

Tool and die makers brace for busy two years, while analysts urge restraint

The next two years are shaping up to be a busy time for tool and die makers in West Michigan and beyond.

Published in Manufacturing

Sunday, 22 January 2017 11:30

For Middleville Tool & Die, growth comes from production, not tooling

MIDDLEVILLE — Backed by a new investment, Middleville Tool & Die Co. wants to ramp up its manufacturing capabilities that will pull it further away from its legacy business.

Published in Manufacturing
Sunday, 12 June 2016 15:06

Raising the performance of tool and die companies

Tool and die shops are practitioners of highly skilled craftsmanship, doing the rigorous and precise work needed to build tooling for high-volume production of automotive components. 

Published in Manufacturing