West Michigan Manufacturing
One of the nation’s largest and most extensive manufacturing sectors.
The Grand Rapids region is home to industry leaders in applied technology, sustainable practices, and industrial design.
The region has some of the nation’s largest industry concentrations in metals, plastics, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, production technology, automotive, office furniture, and food processing.
With approximately four out of five manufacturers having less than 250 employees, West Michigan manufacturers are lean, innovative, and offer a wide variety of capabilities.
Manufacturing currently accounts for 15 percent of all jobs in the region and remains the heart of West Michigan’s economy.
In 2009, manufacturing in West Michigan began an era of unprecedented job creation and investment, surpassing both state and national average year after year. This trend continues today with more than 2,500 manufacturing companies growing in the region.
Recent Manufacturing Projects
- Siliconature - 26 new jobs, $20M capital investment
- California Closets - 61 new jobs, $5.7M capital investment
- Stikwood - 73 new jobs, $4.2M capital investment
- Swoboda, Inc. - 37 new jobs, $15.1 capital investment
- Plasan North America - 120 new jobs, $12.3M capital investment
- Dicastal North America - 300 new jobs, $140M capital investment
- Plasan Carbon Composites - 620 new jobs, $29M capital investment
US Cluster Rankings for Grand Rapids
- 6th largest in automotive
- 8th largest in biopharmaceuticals
- 9th largest in metal manufacturing
- 12th largest in plastics
West Michigan’s manufacturers are also supported by commercialization partners including the Van Andel Institute, the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC), the University Research Corridor, and MSU Business Connect.
Notable West Michigan Manufacturers
Top Manufacturing Employers in West Michigan
| Company | Regional Employees | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAC Automotive | 1,200 | Full service automotive plastics supplier for worldwide automakers | |
| Alcoa Howemt | 2,350 | Producer of cast components for commercial passenger jet engines | |
| Amway Corporation | 4,000 | Health, beauty, and home product manufacturing | |
| Autocam Corp | 720 | Precision auto component manufacturing | |
| Flex-N-Gate | 1,350 | Motor vehicle metal stamping | |
| Herman Miller | 3,621 | Office furniture design and manufacturing | |
| Gentex | 3,900 | Electro-optical technology manufacturing for automotive and aerospace industries | |
| Gill Industries | 1,150 | Precision-engineered assemblies and modules for the automotive, multi-use vehicle and furniture industries | |
| Johnson Controls | 1,950 | Manufacturing and validation of interior systems and components for the automotive industry | |
| Lacks Industries | 2,800 | Manufacturer of decorative plastics to the automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics markets | |
| Plasan Carbon Composites | 620 | Carbon Fiber manufacturer for the automotive industry | |
| Steelcase Inc | 3,500 | Designer and manufacturer of high performance work environments for office furniture industry |