By: Deborah Johnson Wood
A February 18 summit for automotive manufacturers aims to bring potential growth opportunities in aerospace, homeland security/defense, medical devices and wind energy to West Michigan manufacturers. The summit, developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Keep Michigan Working coalition and hosted by Right Place, Inc. and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, is one of 12 summits statewide.
Each manufacturer attending the summit receives a detailed questionnaire that will help state experts determine if the company is poised for diversification and which of the four industries is the best choice.
Those that qualify could receive a $10,000 matching grant from the MEDC, part of a $4 million state fund set aside for job training, and the ongoing assistance of an expert in the industry the manufacturer wishes to pursue.
“We anticipate being able to help 400 manufacturers to diversify over the next year, and another 100 to receive certifications needed for the aerospace and other industries,” says Jennifer Owens, MEDC director of Michigan retention and growth.
“Diversification is a big hurdle for them,” she adds. “Some can barely pay the utility bills and now may have to invest a significant amount in retooling and retraining. We’re offering a life rope to them; a team of experts to coach and mentor them through the process, the potential training grant, education on the new industries and OEM contacts to help them move forward.”
Right Place’s Tim Mroz says over 200 attendees are already registered for the summit, and attendance will be capped at 300. The summit runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $65 per person.
Source: Jennifer Owens, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Tim Mroz, Right Place, Inc.
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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