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Automation firms pitch robots as solution to social distancing for manufacturers
Robotics and automation could offer manufacturers a key way forward to operating in the post-coronavirus environment because of their ability to reduce workplace contamination and worker interactions. Robotics and automation could offer manufacturers a...
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‘Timing was right’ for GR youth housing organizations to merge
Two Grand Rapids youth housing organizations and longtime partners have merged into one organization after years of consideration, aligning with recent consolidation trends among nonprofits. Two Grand Rapids youth housing organizations and longtime...
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Automotive supply chain adapts to month-by-month scenario planning
Automotive manufacturers are back up and running after months of production shutdowns following widespread outbreaks of COVID-19. Automotive manufacturers are back up and running after months of production shutdowns following widespread outbreaks of...
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Pandemic exacerbates concerns for migrant farm workers
Dozens of crops grown in West Michigan are hand-picked by seasonal and migrant farmworkers. Dozens of crops grown in West Michigan are hand-picked by seasonal and migrant farmworkers. While those who work in agriculture are considered essential to...
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Pandemic forces mobility firms to pivot, renew focus on rider safety
Shared transit presents unprecedented risks as communities and businesses around the state reopen and people come out of isolation following a months-long shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shared transit presents unprecedented risks as...
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Manufacturers turn to temps to fill new workplace roles
Temporary workers were some of the first people to lose manufacturing jobs when the coronavirus started to spread into the Midwest, and they also filled in the gaps left by the highly contagious virus at essential businesses. Temporary workers were...
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Manufacturers tap into new vendors to meet safety protocols in wake of COVID-19
People line up early at manufacturing plants to have their temperature taken by registered nurses who were laid off from hospitals in the chaos of the COVID-19 crisis. People line up early at manufacturing plants to have their temperature taken by...
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Uncertain future ahead for state’s ‘Futures for Frontliners’ program
A new program aims to give frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic a pathway into higher education. A new program aims to give frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic a pathway into higher education. Despite its initial fanfare, the “Futures for...
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Herman Miller cuts 300 jobs
ZEELAND — Office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller Inc. is laying off about 300 employees throughout the company’s global workforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. ZEELAND — Office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller...
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Native Traits raises $1.5M to move seed technology into field trials
KALAMAZOO — Southwest Michigan biosciences company Native Traits Corp. plans to use a recent investment to move its high-yield and weather-resistant seed technology into field testing and production. KALAMAZOO — Southwest Michigan biosciences company...
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Collision Consolidation Co. acquires Stonewall Road Automotive Group
Holland-based Collision Consolidation Co. LLC has acquired Stonewall Road Automotive Group, a Grand Rapids-based multi-state operator of MAACO automotive repair centers. Holland-based Collision Consolidation Co. LLC has acquired Stonewall Road...
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Michigan aerospace suppliers brace for continued industry turbulence
The aerospace industry is facing unparalleled disruption and uncertainty emerging from the continued grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max and the COVID-19 pandemic. The aerospace industry is facing unparalleled disruption and uncertainty emerging from the...
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Grand River Realty eager to resume in-person work amid pent-up demand
GRAND RAPIDS — Real estate workers in West Michigan returned to in-person activities on May 7 after being halted for six weeks because of the COVID-19 outbreak. GRAND RAPIDS — Real estate workers in West Michigan returned to in-person activities on May...
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Sharpe Cars makes shift to online vehicle sales
GRAND RAPIDS — Coming off of strong sales in 2019, executives at Sharpe Cars had plans to reinvest capital into the company’s showrooms and facilities. GRAND RAPIDS — Coming off of strong sales in 2019, executives at Sharpe Cars had plans to reinvest...
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Fulton Street Farmers Market stays open, adapts to new safety measures
GRAND RAPIDS — In March, organizers at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids were preparing for their biannual soup-tasting fundraiser. Usually, vendors and West Michigan restaurants donate soups for the event. Hundreds of people gather to...
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Suburban Inns ‘hanging on by our fingertips’
HUDSONVILLE — Nearly all of Suburban Inns Inc.’s more than 1,000 hotel rooms in West Michigan are sitting empty. HUDSONVILLE — Nearly all of Suburban Inns Inc.’s more than 1,000 hotel rooms in West Michigan are sitting empty. Faced with that situation,...
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West Michigan manufacturers reopen with heightened awareness of risk management
Manufacturers are contending with the risk COVID-19 still poses to their workforces. Manufacturers are contending with the risk COVID-19 still poses to their workforces. In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new executive order greenlighting the...
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Local Epicurean encouraged by response to e-commerce shift
GRAND RAPIDS — Last year was “the best year ever” at Local Epicurean LLC, a maker of handmade pasta, sauces and specialty food products. GRAND RAPIDS — Last year was “the best year ever” at Local Epicurean LLC, a maker of handmade pasta, sauces and...
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HOME, FOR NOW: Office furniture industry stays vigilant as nation joins ‘huge experiment’ in remote working
The COVID-19 global pandemic has pushed millions of Americans to work from their home offices, or in lieu of a dedicated workspace, their dining room tables and couches. The COVID-19 global pandemic has pushed millions of Americans to work from their...
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Suppliers resume manufacturing in preparation for automakers
Automotive suppliers in West Michigan will begin warming up the industry’s supply chain next week. Automotive suppliers in West Michigan will begin warming up the industry’s supply chain next week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has given the green light to all...