State Business News

BUSINESS NEWS FOR MICHIGAN

100 Knoll workers in Kentwood expected to get buyout, early retirement offers
Kentwood is the only unionized Knoll plant and made steep concessions last fall.

Herman Miller reports rise in sales, but misses analysts' expectations
Its third-quarter sales were off 7 percent, to $329.6 million, while profits returned, hitting $8.3 million for the quarter that ended Feb. 27.

Granholm proclaims Michigan Agriculture Day after politicians, farmers, meat sellers have a cow over Michigan Meatout Day
One meat seller is offering free patties in response to governor's 'Meatout Day.'

Padnos solar project a showcase for Cascade Engineering
Michael Ford of Cascade EngineeringThe installation of the largest solar-power site in Michigan gives Cascade Engineering a solid foundation on which to further build a fledgling business.The company’s alternative energy division, Cascade Renewable Energy, has two more “significant” solar projects...

VIDEO: Green Machine, technology behind new jobs in Portage, demonstrated at KVCC
Pro Renewables Inc., a new Portage company launched today, says the Green Machine waste-heat recovery system can save industrial companies about $40,000 a year in electricity costs.

Meat industry has a beef with Granholm's Meatout Day, local butcher offers free patties
Political lobbies representing animal farmers, hunters and fishers are having a cow.

West Michigan schools make plans to train workers for expanding battery industry
Today's announcement that a Fortu PowerCell GmbH, a German-Swiss-based battery manufacturer, plans to invest $623 million in a new plant on this Muskegon site builds interest.

Kitchen makeover by The Wall Wizard helps kick off the 2010 Home Expo by the Home Builders Association of Kalamazoo
Brian Santos, who is known to those who watch HGTV and some other TV shows as The Wall Wizard, made a surprise visit to the North Sprinkle Road home of a Kalamazoo woman Wednesday morning to begin planning a kitchen makeover.

Upjohn Institute forecasts: Employment in West Michigan is expected to fall by 1.5 percent in 2010
Opportunities to find work will continue to be tough in Kalamazoo and all of west Michigan this year, but will improve slightly in 2011, a Kalamazoo-based employment think-tank forecasts.

Battle Creek unveils plan for downtown streetscape
Of the four pillars in downtown Battle Creek’s transformation plan, infrastructure is the one that supports all the rest. And those working on the plan are a couple steps closer to making transformative changes to the city’s infrastructure.

New Portage company selling renewable-energy technology expects to create about 15 jobs this year
Pro Renewables Inc., a joint venture of Pro Services Inc. and the Windquest Group, launched today and expects to employ between 15 and 20 workers in the next six months. The company will sell and install systems that convert waste heat into electricity.

Rosler Metal Finishing consolidates in Battle Creek, closes Marshall and Adrian plants
Rosler Metal Finishing USA announced today it will close its Adrian and Marshall facilities and relocate the production to Battle Creek, the manufacturer's North American headquarters. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rosler Group in Germany, will build...

Live Blog: Details of new Kalamazoo-area clean-technology company to be discussed with Dick and Betsy DeVos
Dick and Betsy DeVos, owners of Windquest Group, a Grand Rapids investment firm, were to announce a new Kalamazoo-area company this morning that will work with manufacturers to turn waste heat into electricity. Follow the live blog from the press conference.

Pfizer conducts Q&A session for retirees; finds new potential for Lipitor
Each of four sessions conducted Tuesday to better explain changes in medical coverage for Pfizer Inc. retirees was booked at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, a Pfizer spokesman said.

Steelcase begins selling Campfire furniture line for startups, entrepreneurs
Pieces are designed to be portable and relatively economical.

Unemployment levels to remain high throughout 2010, says U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
AP file photoUnemployment levels will remain high through 2010, said U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner yesterday in testimony before Congress. U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner expects some improvements in the job market this spring, but unemployment will remain high throughout...

Michigan last in economic growth, above average in business costs according to group advocating lower taxes, government overhaul
The report does little to propose solutions to issues of Michigan's high labor costs.

Update: Lake Express High-Speed Ferry offers promotions to boost ridership
Chronicle file photoThe Lake Express High-Speed Ferry, which operates between Muskegon and Milwaukee, Wis., will offer again this year its Kids Ride Free promotion. The ferry begins operation April 30.MUSKEGON — The Lake Express ferry is renewing a promotion...

West Michigan Links: Knoll's Kentwood plant may lose 100 jobs
A look at other headlines across the area.

Ottawa County committee recommends renaissance zone for Request Foods plant
Support continues to build for Request Foods Inc.'s plan for a second frozen-food plant in the township.