HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Allegan and Ottawa counties’ area businesses have expansion plans, according to the 2018 Business Intelligence Report, by Lakeshore Advantage, in partnership with Allendale Area Chamber of Commerce, Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, West Coast Chamber and The Chamber, Grand Haven-Spring Lake-Ferrysburg.
Based on 98 C-Suite executive interviews done between June 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018, the study indicates private investment will increase this year over last year by $142 million, adding an estimated 1,916 jobs here. That’s more than double the number of jobs created in 2017, according to the report.
Lakeshore Advantage released the report on Friday at Gentex headquarters, highlighting expansion plans by 69 percent of companies interviewed. Gentex produces auto-dimming rearview mirrors, vehicle camera, and fire-protection systems, as well as home-vehicle link devices, is Ottawa County’s largest employer. Gentex completed a $63 million, 250,000 square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility on a 140-acre Zeeland site last year.
West Michigan’s manufacturing base includes food growers and makers, automotive, office furniture, pharmaceutical and automation manufacturers, among others. Learn more about the full study at
With one third of the primary regional employers questioned having facilities in other states, this area will have to compete to keep growth local, as 53 percent indicated plans to expand in the next three years. About half the investment would go into equpment and technology, with 11 percent being spent on real estate.
West Michigan’s challenges in maintaining local growth include drawing and maintaining a skilled labor supply and resolving an on-going death of affordable housing.
See the complete 2018 Business Intelligence Report at lakeshoreadvantage.com.
