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 133,000 advanced manufacturing jobs in West Michigan
- 2,640 advanced manufacturing establishments
- From 2013-2023 jobs grew by 11%, significantly outpacing the national growth of 5%
- 150+ international manufacturing companies
Manufacturing currently accounts for 17% 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 DevelopmentBrent 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 DevelopmentBrent 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 EventsThe Right Place Investor Exchange - October 2025
Reshoring, Trade, and Community Readiness
Manufacturers Council Tour of Gentex | A Look at AI, KPIs, and the Future of Manufacturing
This is a manufacturers council member-exclusive event.
Latest Manufacturing News
All News
JIREH METAL: Training & User Groups Unlock Growth Potential
Jireh Metal Products, founded in 1983 as a family-owned business, has built strong, long-standing relationships with leading partners in the furniture, automotive, and hardware industries.
Supervisor Leadership User Group | Jim Borgeld Testimonial
The Right Place assists Weiss Technik North America with $25 million expansion in Kentwood
Increased customer demand for environmental test chambers spurs company to construct 125,000 SF facility and add 36 high-tech jobs
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.