KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Kalamazoo-based economist Dr. Brian Long has done his monthly check on the west Michigan industrial economy, and he says it shows continued growth that is outpacing the rest of the state and the nation, but still slower than he would like.
He said the February report shows the economy finally shifting into a higher gear after the annual holiday slowdown. He also said the 2016 industrial season has officially started.
Long said the best indicator of things to come was an up-tick in new orders. He said other indicators are harder to gauge if they will result in future growth, but having orders signed and in-house means there is work to be done and money to be made.
He also said a number of local car part makers are still working at full-to-nearly-full capacity, but he also said office furniture production may have peaked just below full capacity.
