GRAND RAPIDS — Hourly workers at Micron Manufacturing Co. are making an average of 7 percent more in wages than they were a year ago.

PAW PAW — A Southwest Michigan-based provider of fresh and frozen blueberries, asparagus and grapes has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

GREENVILLE — The strategy for a Wisconsin-based milk processor that’s in talks to create a potential “dairy campus” in Greenville, Mich. is quite simple: Follow the milk.

GRAND RAPIDS — A deal to acquire a New Jersey firm positions Praxis Packaging Solutions Co. to expand on the East Coast and diversify from its stronghold with pharmaceutical customers. 

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.

A West Michigan-based organic food delivery service plans to expand to Southeast Michigan.  

Dr. Bill Pink is Grand Rapids Community College’s 10th president, replacing Dr. Steven Ender who retired in May. Pink has been with GRCC since 2015, having served as the college’s vice president and dean of workforce development. Prior to GRCC, Pink was vice president of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University. An educator for 25 years, Pink’s background includes an associate degree from York College in Nebraska, a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University, a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Pink spoke with MiBiz about the need for GRCC to stay relevant for employers and how the college is designing courses to make that a reality.

Concerns over the fate of NAFTA come at a time of pricing pressures for Michigan’s hog farmers.

GRAND RAPIDS — The potential reversal of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) could jeopardize West Michigan farmers and food processors.

NORTON SHORES — Manufacturer Seabrook Plastics Inc. is leveraging its investment in technology to improve process repeatability and reduce non-value added cost.

Manufacturers in West Michigan have turned to automation in recent years to get jobs done quicker and cheaper, and their investments in the technology shows no signs of slowing down.

After 15 years away from Baker College of Muskegon, Dr. Aaron Maike has returned to campus, taking over duties as president in the market. Maike, who’s been with Baker College for two decades, most recently served as president of the Owosso campus, where he’s been since 2014. In Muskegon, he replaces Lee Coggin, who retired earlier this month. Maike’s educational background includes a bachelor of science in accounting from Northern Michigan University, an MBA in finance from Baker College, and a doctorate in business administration from Trident University International. Maike spoke with MiBiz about his journey back to West Michigan and his confidence in Baker College’s future.

A thriving business climate and renewed interest in communities across West Michigan have sparked increased demand for event space throughout the region.

Until last year, state law barred alcoholic beverage makers and wholesalers from using social media to promote their products at the retailer level, even though many of them did anyway.

GRAND RAPIDS — Accounting, law and marketing firms are hosting more educational and social gatherings than they were just three years ago.

Spartan Motors Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at more than $214 million to produce cargo delivery vans for the U.S. Postal Service.