MiBiz - MiBiz: West Michigan Business News

Schupan & Sons plans $10.1 million expansion
KALAMAZOO — Recycler Schupan & Sons Inc. plans to invest $10.1 million into expansions at a pair of locations in Southwest Michigan.
Dr. John’s candies to expand near Grand Rapids
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP — A maker of sugar-free candies will invest $2.3 million to expand its operations north of Grand Rapids.
New lounge and restaurant proposed for long-vacant downtown Grand Rapids space
GRAND RAPIDS — Downtown could soon see its first African American-owned bar and restaurant in years.
Michigan first of Midwest states to legalize recreational marijuana
Proponents of statewide and local ballot initiatives went four-for-four on election night, establishing a new process for drawing legislative districts, increasing access to voting and…
Tepid Yeti IPO gives DeVos firm cooler-than-expected payout
GRAND RAPIDS — A lukewarm initial public stock offering by drinkware and cooler-maker Yeti Holdings Inc. spelled a smaller-than-expected payout for a prominent West Michigan…

With pending $13.2 billion deal, JCI to fully exit West Michigan auto supplier operations

HOLLAND — Johnson Controls International plc would exit its last remaining automotive industry manufacturing operations in West Michigan if it completes a transaction announced this week.

Schupan & Sons plans $10.1 million expansion
KALAMAZOO — Recycler Schupan & Sons Inc. plans to invest $10.1 million into expansions at a pair of locations in Southwest Michigan.
Dr. John’s candies to expand near Grand Rapids
PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP — A maker of sugar-free candies will invest $2.3 million to expand its operations north of Grand Rapids.
New lounge and restaurant proposed for long-vacant downtown Grand Rapids space
GRAND RAPIDS — Downtown could soon see its first African American-owned bar and restaurant in years.
Michigan first of Midwest states to legalize recreational marijuana
Proponents of statewide and local ballot initiatives went four-for-four on election night, establishing a new process for drawing legislative districts, increasing access to voting and…
Tepid Yeti IPO gives DeVos firm cooler-than-expected payout
GRAND RAPIDS — A lukewarm initial public stock offering by drinkware and cooler-maker Yeti Holdings Inc. spelled a smaller-than-expected payout for a prominent West Michigan…

Spectrum inks $5 million, two-property deal with Third Coast Development
GRAND RAPIDS — is the new owner of two more properties along the Michigan Street corridor.
Staying Charged: Advocates look to keep electric vehicle momentum going into 2019
Planning for a more electrified transportation future gained steam in Michigan this year with multiple spending plans totaling $85 million, as well as a series of in-depth policy discussions among…

‘Farming Revolution:’ Producer finishes first aquaponics harvest, advocates for more locally-grown food
CALEDONIA — As consumers’ interests shift to a more locally-focused food supply chain, companies like Revolution Farms LLC hope to change how that food is grown.
Waiting Game: West Michigan defense suppliers wrestle with security clearance delays
WALKER — The federal government’s move to protect potential breaches in its supply chain is having an adverse effect for defense manufacturers in West Michigan and beyond.

Amid changes, local commercial real estate brokerages see growth potential
GRAND RAPIDS — Changes involving a pair of West Michigan commercial real estate brokerages could signal future growth opportunities for the firms, sources say.

With collaboration agreement, Spectrum Health, Mary Free Bed put aside past friction
GRAND RAPIDS — A new agreement for collaboration formalizes ties and sets the foundation for Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Spectrum Health to work closer together.

MiBiz Growth Report: Nov. 12, 2018
Here is the MiBiz Growth Report for Nov. 12, 2018.

Michigan Milk Producers Association to expand in SW Michigan
The Michigan Milk Producers Association plans to invest $24 million to expand its existing dairy plant operations in St. Joseph County.

German tech firm to open Grand Rapids office
GRAND RAPIDS — AUVESY GmbH, a German-based provider of data management software for industrial automation, plans to make West Michigan its home base for expansion into the U.S.

EPS Security acquires Owosso firm
GRAND RAPIDS — EPS Security has made its second acquisition of 2018.

Ford Airport adds nonstop service to Sarasota via Allegiant
GRAND RAPIDS — The Gerald R. Ford International Airport said today it was adding its 27th direct flight with a new route to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport from Allegiant Air.

Charitable Giving Outlook: Nonprofit execs say tax law changes put chill on fundraising
People give because they believe in the mission of an organization, not because of the tax deductions they can take.

Ferris State raises bar to $115 million for current capital campaign
BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University extended a fundraising campaign by three years and increased the amount it hopes to secure from donors.