As Grand Rapids continues to develop health care-related jobs and draw thousands of students to its higher education centers, it has not forgotten its manufacturing roots. With industrial infrastructure still in place, manufacturing space is a viable option for manufacturers of all sizes looking to expand facilities or open West Michigan plants.
According to excerpts from the story:
Grand Rapids, Mich., is a city in transition. No longer completely reliant on a manufacturing base, the western Michigan market has diversified to include a world-class medical research corridor and an impressive base of institutions of higher education.
It would be inaccurate, though, to say that Grand Rapids has abandoned its roots entirely. The city's landscape is still dotted with industrial infrastructure. While some of it may be a bit outdated, it offers the best opportunity for manufacturers -- large and small -- in western Michigan.
"It takes time to transform an entire economy, and it is always a challenge," says Colin Kraay, investment advisor for Grubb and Ellis | Paramount (Commerce) in Grand Rapids.
"We are looking at other opportunities in the market," says [Kevin] Hegg. "Grand Rapids ranks up among the top for proactive, business-oriented communities."
Read the complete story here.
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