
Jessica Young
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.
‘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.
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.
Pandemic exacerbates concerns for migrant farm workers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Suppliers resume manufacturing in preparation for automakers
West Michigan manufacturers reopen with heightened awareness of risk management
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.
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.
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 taste food from the cooler weather season, catch up with one another and support the market.
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 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.
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.
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.
Knoll to sell off Grand Rapids area manufacturing plant
Office furniture maker Knoll Inc. has entered into a tentative agreement to sell the company’s manufacturing plant in Kentwood.
Gardening centers, greenhouses ready to open under modified state order
Michigan greenhouses and nurseries say they are pleased and ready to open following an executive order today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer loosening restrictions on some businesses as COVID-19 cases level off.
Rules relaxed as manufacturers step up to address critical health equipment shortages
As Michigan manufacturers shift course to join the growing “arsenal of health,” federal regulators have responded to the COVID-19 outbreak by reducing potential liability that typically comes with making medical supplies.
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.
Foodservice disruptions create crisis for farmers
As the new coronavirus spreads throughout the Midwest and people’s behaviors change as a result, Michigan’s turkey farms are struggling to stay afloat.
Wolverine shifts focus to e-commerce as Q1 earnings decline
Wolverine World Wide Inc. is leaning into e-commerce as the COVID-19 crisis drives more consumer purchases online.
Head shop Purple East files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
GRAND RAPIDS — Purple East Plus Inc., a lifestyle retailer of paraphernalia used for the consumption of cannabis and tobacco, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Survey reflects manufacturers’ bleak outlook as pandemic shutdown lingers
The vast majority of manufacturers are predicting challenging times ahead for the industry.
Garden centers, greenhouses focus on survival amid COVID-19 shutdown
Like most non-essential businesses in the state, many garden centers and greenhouses in West Michigan have been forced to close as part of continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Port City owner Pace Industries files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
MUSKEGON — Pace Industries LLC, which manufactures die-cast parts and previously acquired the former Port City Group operations in Muskegon, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week.
Herman Miller sues online retailer over knock-offs
ZEELAND — Office furniture maker Herman Miller Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against an online retailer for counterfeiting iconic designs from the company’s Design Within Reach Inc. subsidiary.