“We’ve seen astounding growth in the sale of Universal Robots in Michigan. Just last year, Universal Robots’ sales grew by 72%, and there’s no end in sight. The majority of the applications are simple pick-and-place jobs, although, increasingly, we see collaborative robots used in fabrication and quality inspection. More than 90% of the UR cobots sold have been to small and medium sized manufacturers. Cobots help address the skilled talent shortage, enhance quality control in production, and offer safety and ergonomic benefits, all while providing rapid payback on investment.” — Mike Folster – Robotics Product Manager with Behco-MRM

With the automotive industry headed for a period of plateauing sales and a potential slowdown, manufacturers could find opportunities to diversify by supplying Michigan’s aerospace sector.

WAYLAND — With the acquisition of a West Michigan aerospace manufacturer, Tribus Aerospace aims to become a regional consolidator in the highly fragmented industry across the Midwest.

Executives at banks and credit unions across Michigan found common ground in advocating for legislation to ease federal regulations they say hurt smaller financial institutions and their ability to lend.

West Michigan-based technology executives increasingly view the industry as an up-and-coming star of the region’s economy.

As West Michigan’s startup culture continues to develop, many new tech companies are growing out of business incubators around the region.

GRAND RAPIDS — The $1.7 million in capital CertifID LLC raised earlier this year perhaps typifies how investors view the tech sector these days.

The fundraising climate in Michigan remains stable, but many nonprofit fund developers say they’re concerned about federal tax law changes.

As a veteran long-form journalist and the deputy editor of Leafly, a marijuana-focused news organization, Bruce Barcott closely tracks the states and municipalities legalizing cannabis and the various issues that come along with it. Barcott will be the guest speaker at an event  in Grand Rapids on Friday, April 20 hosted by marijuana consulting firm Canna Communications LLC. Prior to his talk, Barcott spoke with MiBiz about several of the industry trends he’s watching, as well as what states should be doing when it comes to regulating recreational marijuana, an initiative that’s likely to appear on Michigan’s November ballot.

Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for April 16, 2018.

• M&A: Holland-based JR Automation Technologies LLC, a private equity-backed manufacturer of custom automation equipment, has acquired Setpoint Systems and Setpoint Inc. of Ogden, Utah. The deal further expands JR Automation’s industrial automation offerings for global clients, according to a statement. The acquired companies specialize in automation solutions and motion control systems for the e-commerce and amusement industries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The owner of a 370,000-square-foot vacant industrial building north of downtown Grand Rapids has decided to put it on the market.

Developers are planning a multi-story, mixed-use development in downtown Kalamazoo that could begin to take shape this summer.

A West Michigan-based manufacturer of sterile health care packaging has opened a new 68,000-square-foot plant in China.

Management consulting and financial advisory firm Conway MacKenzie Inc. opened an office in the Waters Building on Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids office.

A West Michigan manufacturer of custom automation equipment has acquired two Utah-based automation companies.

A dairy processor plans to expand its existing facility in West Michigan.