Manufacturers set up shop in Michigan, cite healthy economy as reason

Recent announcements by several out-of-state manufacturers indicate that stories on employer/employee exodus from the state may not present the entire picture. These manufacturers say they’re moving into the states because of the favorable economy.

According to excerpts from the story:

West Michigan commercial Realtors and economic developers are seeing strong movement into Michigan by out-of-state manufacturers. That’s right — into Michigan. AVI Foodsystems Inc., the largest privately owned food-service business in the country, plans to start distribution from Grand Rapids next month.

The Warren, Ohio-based company already provides vending services, corporate dining and campus dining in eight states, and had operations in Detroit, Romulus, Flint and Jackson. It recently opened its 50th distribution branch in Grand Rapids after a very thorough market assessment.

“We see tremendous growth opportunity for our company in West Michigan,” said Dawn Perry, vice president for marketing. “Our sales force is viewing West Michigan as a very viable, very attractive place to do business.”

Read the complete story here.