Regional Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
Home to one of the nation's largest and most diverse manufacturing sectors
The Greater Grand Rapids region is home to one of the nation's largest and most diverse manufacturing sectors. We are national leaders in plastic, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, production technology, automotive, office furniture, aerospace and more.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is "The most successful intensive manufacturing city in America" - The Economist
Industry Quick Facts:
- More than 141,300 advanced manufacturing jobs in West Michigan
- 2,535 advanced manufacturing establishments
- A job growth rate of 29.1% from 2011-2020, significantly outpacing the national rate of 7.6%
- 130+ international manufacturing companies
Manufacturing currently accounts for 19% of all jobs in the region and remains the heart of Greater Grand Rapids' economy. In a 2020 study of 'Cities with the Most Manufacturing Jobs,' the Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA was found to have the most manufacturing jobs per capita of any large metropolitan area in the U.S. The city's concentration of manufacturing jobs amounts to twice that of the national average.
Contact Brent for more information
Brent Case
Vice President, Business AttractionBrent works to recruit new business investment and jobs to the region. He also assists West Michigan companies during the decision-making portion of the expansion process to outline the benefits of growing locally as opposed to out-of-state.
Full Bio
Brent Case
Vice President, Business AttractionBrent works to recruit new business investment and jobs to the region. He also assists West Michigan companies during the decision-making portion of the expansion process to outline the benefits of growing locally as opposed to out-of-state.
Infographic: Advanced Manufacturing in West Michigan
View the InfographicNotable West Michigan Manufacturers
Personalized consulting services for West Michigan Manufacturers
Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center-West (The Center-West) has acted as trusted advisors to small and medium-sized manufacturers as they develop stronger operations, drive innovation, promote excellence and achieve greater profitability.
Upcoming Manufacturing Events
All EventsManufacturing Leadership Summit 2023
Latest Manufacturing News
All News
The Right Place assists Gentex with opening technology hub in downtown Grand Rapids
Global technology company to open office at 25 Ottawa NW, creating 100 jobs
The Right Place & MCDC assists Big Rapids Products, Inc. with expansion
Metal stampings supplier to add 60 jobs, invest $3 million with Big Rapids expansion
Tecnoform USA Inc. Hosts Grand Opening at its New Manufacturing Facility in Grand Rapids, MI.
Tecnoform USA Inc. showcases its 172,000 square-foot manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in its 58-year history
Join the Manufacturers Council
The Right Place, Inc. convened the Manufacturers Council in 1989 as a way to organize manufacturers’ individual interests into a common purpose of improving the local manufacturing economy. Members of the council work to promote, facilitate, enable and advocate for “best-in-class” manufacturing in the region.