2025
GREATER GRAND RAPIDS MANUFACTURING LANDSCAPE
Manufacturing Jobs (2025) : 116,528 Manufacturing Gross Regional Product (2024) : $18.4B
Percent of Total Jobs in Manufacturing (2025) : 18.4% Manufacturing Share of Total Gross Regional Product: 24%
Note on the Data: This report uses the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area (Kent, Ottawa, Barry, Ionia, and Montcalm counties) as the primary geography unless otherwise noted. Retention call data from The Right Place encompasses the organization’s 2024 service area (Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, Newaygo, Lake, Mecosta, Oceana, and Mason counties). The data are presented in the following: a ten-year range, 2019 to present (pre-COVID), updated from 2022 data in previous reports, and comparisons between 2023 and 2024. Ranges are chosen to best communicate the topic discussed, past reports, data availability and other factors.
Executive Summary
Manufacturing is the backbone of Greater Grand Rapids’ economy, driving innovation, employment, and economic prosperity. As the industry evolves, regional manufacturers are adapting to shifting workforce dynamics, economic challenges, and the increasing role of advanced technology in production. The regional labor market for manufacturers is stabilizing as hiring slows and workforce needs shift. In 2024, talent attraction was no longer the top barrier to growth, with fewer manufacturers citing recruitment issues and more investing in workforce training. At the same time, manufacturers showed fortitude by continuing to grow and thrive through an uncertain 2024. Though sales concerns have emerged as the most often cited challenge by manufacturers in Greater Grand Rapids, many companies forecast stable or growing revenues and are planning expansions. Meanwhile, manufacturers in Greater Grand Rapids continue to embrace advanced technologies. The shift toward automation, system integration, and robotics is reshaping the region’s manufacturing landscape by driving efficiency and increasing productivity. Greater Grand Rapids’ manufacturing sector remains strong and continues to prove its ability to grow through challenges. This report provides key insights to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape and plan for the future.
1
MANUFACTURING TRENDS
Trend One: Manufacturing Labor Market Easing
Regional manufacturers face fewer recruitment issues as hiring slows and attention shifts to workforce training and optimization.
Talent attraction is no longer cited as the primary barrier to growth, according to data The Right Place gathered during 254 retention calls with manufacturers across the region.
The number of manufacturers experiencing
At the same time, the share of companies increasing investments in workforce training have grown modestly.
talent recruitment problems declined 13 percentage points.
1st 2nd
53% 49% 40% 50%
most cited barrier
most cited barrier
Source: The Right Place Retention Call Data
2
The National Landscape
Slower growth in the manufacturing sector during the second half of 2024 allowed the labor market to realign and stabilize. National quit rates in manufacturing fell from 1.8% in December 2023 to 1.5% in December 2024. Meanwhile, the ratio of manufacturing job openings to manufacturing unemployment dipped in 2024, meaning fewer job openings.
Ratio of Manufacturing Job Openings to Unemployment
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Deloitte, 2025 Manufacturing Industry Outlook
3
Trend Two: Growth Through Uncertainty
A cooling economy, presidential election, ongoing global conflict, and trade concerns have sparked uncertainty across the manufacturing sector in 2024 and 2025. Manufacturers across Greater Grand Rapids continued to grow in the face of these challenges. Manufacturing jobs in Greater Grand Rapids remain below pre-pandemic numbers. Though companies generated $2.3 billion more in gross regional product (GRP) in 2024 compared to 2019. 122,629 116,216 $16B $18.3B Gross regional product: Manufacturing jobs: Manufacturing jobs: Gross regional product:
Source: Lightcast
Manufacturing GRP in Greater Grand Rapids declined slightly (0.3%) in 2024 compared to the previous year after growing steadily since 2020. This is likely attributed to a market correction after surge of growth post-pandemic. Sales displaced talent attraction as the number one barrier to growth for manufacturers.
49% 54% Compared to
as their top concern 21%
of 254 manufacturers interviewed by The Right Place in 2024 cited sales
of companies planning to expand
in 2023
Source: The Right Place
4
The National Landscape Manufacturers across the country (and globe) contended with a challenging business environment throughout 2024. Though manufacturers are still contending with uncertainty due to trade tariffs, there is evidence that the manufacturing sector may be turning around. 71.9% 62.9% 70.9% Manufacturers Sentiment
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
“The preelection uncertainty explains in part the drop in optimism, but economic pressures and policy threats are also at play.” – Jay Timmons , President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers on the Q3 results.
Top Concerns
Workforce Challenges
Weaker Domestic Economy
Trade Uncertainty
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Source: National Association of Manufacturers Outlook Survey
5
Tariffs on global trading partners as of March 2025 have the potential to significantly impact the economy. across Michigan due to tariffs on steel and aluminum Projected 2,300 loss in jobs
Source: University of Michigan Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics
Yet there are signs that manufacturing is entering this period on a stronger footing than in past months. The purchasing managers index for U.S. manufacturing posted its first signs of economic expansion in January 2025 after 26 consecutive months of contraction.
U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index
54
53
52
51
PMI above 50 = sector expansion; below 50 = sector contraction
50
49
48
47
46
JAN 2024
FEB 2024
MAR 2024
APR 2024
MAY 2024
JUN 2024
JUL 2024
AUG 2024
SEP 2024
OCT 2024
NOV 2024
DEC 2024
JAN 2025
Source: Institute for Supply Management
6
Trend Three: Digital Technology Implementation
Digital technologies are impacting the manufacturing sector. To continue to grow with fewer available workers, many manufacturers are turning toward advanced technologies to spur productivity and drive efficiencies. In 2024, Industry 4.0 Assessments were the service provided most often by MMTC-West, the manufacturing services division of The Right Place. Of the 41 Industry 4.0 Assessments conducted in 2024 by MMTC-West the top recommendations were: 39% 34% 17% System Integration Automation Robotics/Cobotics of recommendations of recommendations of recommendations
Source: MMTC-West
The National Landscape
Nationally, manufacturers are embracing technologies including artificial intelligence and other advancements while investing to ensure their companies are digitally mature.
Source: Rockwell Automation, 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report Source: Deloitte, Digital Maturity Index 30% 98%
of manufacturing budgets dedicated to tech. Up from 23% in 2023.
Companies cited • cloud computing • generative artificial intelligence • and 5G connectivity as having the highest potential ROI
of global manufacturers have begun their digital transformation (building data structures, data collection, analysis, and implementation), compared to 78% in 2019.
7
THE STATE OF MANUFACTURING
Jobs
Manufacturing jobs in Greater Grand Rapids grew slightly in the beginning of 2025 after contracting 1.5% in 2024. Since 2021, the pace of manufacturing job growth slowed at regional, state, and national levels, recovering some of the job losses sustained during the 2020 pandemic.
Percent Change in Manufacturing Jobs
GGR
MI
US
8% 6% 4% 2% 0%
-2% -4% -6% -8%
-10% -12% -14%
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Source: Lightcast
116,528 Manufacturing jobs in Greater Grand Rapids (2025)
0.3% Manufacturing job growth from 2024 to 2025 0.5% Manufacturing job growth from 2016 to 2025
Percent of Jobs in Manufacturing
19.8% 18.4%
2016: 2025:
Source: Lightcast
8
Industry
The manufacturing landscape in Greater Grand Rapids is evolving. Manufacturing sectors that employed the most workers a decade ago have shed jobs, nearly across the board. Of the top ten, printed circuit assembly manufacturing is an outlier, increasing jobs by 40% since 2016. This industry joins others including small electrical appliance, battery, snack food, and frozen specialty foods manufacturing that have experienced substantial job growth in recent years.
Industry
2016 Jobs
2025 Jobs
Percent Change
190 360 213 568
1,100 1,600
477% 344% 285% 125%
Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing
Battery Manufacturing
821
Other Snack Food
1,278
Frozen Specialty Food
Source: Lightcast
Top Ten Industries by Jobs 2025
2016 2025
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Source: Lightcast
9
Gross Regional Product (GRP)
Manufacturing GRP in Greater Grand Rapids increased $2.4 billion from 2019 to 2024, while job levels have remained below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting ongoing productivity gains among regional manufacturing companies. From 2023 to 2024, manufacturing GRP contracted 0.3% . This marks the first decline in manufacturing GRP growth since 2021 and the first contraction since 2020. This contraction was likely a market correction following high GRP growth post-pandemic. The region’s manufacturing GRP, which measures the total value of goods and services, mirrors a national declination trend. Nation-wide manufacturing GRP contracted 0.2% from 2023 to 2024. Michigan’s manufacturing GRP increased 0.4% during the same period.
$14.4B 24% 2015
Share of Greater Grand Rapids gross regional product associated with manufacturing
2024
GRP Growth
$18.4B 28%
Manufacturing GRP Year-Over-Year Change
GGR
MI
US
15%
10%
5%
0%
-5%
-10%
-15%
2022
2023
2024
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 2021
Source: Lightcast
10
MANUFACTURING WAGES
Wage Highlights
Wage growth in many manufacturing occupations slowed generally from 2022 to 2024 compared to 2020 to 2022, although not universally. Though companies report fewer challenges attracting and retaining talent compared to previous years, many are still increasing wages to meet labor demands.
Wage Growth Comparison
2020-2022
2022-2024
Electrician II (Journeyman)
Quality Inspector/Auditor II
Painter (Production)
Tool & Die Maker III
Maintenance Person (General)
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14%
16% 18% 20%
Year-over-year growth
Source: The Employers Association
11
Manufacturing Wage Analysis
Since 2022, manufacturers have increased wages at a higher rate than the private sector overall. Average hourly wage across all private sectors grew less than a percentage point from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024. In contrast, the manufacturing positions (hourly and salary) below surpassed that growth, some by significant margins. • 17% - Journeymen electricians experienced the highest median wage growth since 2022. • 13% - Quality inspectors, experienced tool and die makers, and painters experienced the next highest increases in median wages. • $35.10 – Hourly rate of experienced tool and die makers, the highest of all hourly occupations examined in this report. • 10% – Maintenance Supervisor experienced the highest wage increase of all salaried occupations identified in this report.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and The Employers’ Association
Salary Positions
2022 Wages
2024 Wages
Percentage Growth
2%
Plant Manager
4%
Facilities Manager
3%
Quality Manager
10%
Maintenance Supervisor
9%
Facilities Supervisor
7%
Assembly Supervisor (Light Prod.)
$0
$20K
$40K
$60K
$80K
$100K
$120K
Annual Wage
Source: The Employers Association
12
Hourly Positions
2022 Wages
2024 Wages
Percentage Growth
13%
Tool & Die Maker III
17%
Electrician II (Journeyman)
8%
Machinist (Maintenance)
10%
CNC Machining Center Operator III
6%
Millwright
2%
Machine Builder
8%
Maintenance Person (General)
7%
Tool & Die Maker I
8%
Welder II
12%
Lead - Production
13%
Quality Inspector/Auditor II
1%
Electrician I (Assistant)
9%
Welder I
12%
Assembler II (Electrical)
10%
CNC Machining Center Operator I
2%
Machine Op (Setup and Op)
9%
Quality Inspector/Auditor I
13%
Painter (Production)
11%
Assembler II
8%
Material Handler (WH Labor)
6%
Grinder/Operator (Hand)
7%
Machine Operator (Operate Only)
7%
Helper (Production)
9%
Injection-Molding Machine Operator I
7%
Packer
$0
$5
$10 $15
$20 $25
$30 $35
$40
Hourly Wage
Source: The Employers Association
13
MANUFACTURING INSIGHTS The Right Place met with 254 manufacturers between 2024 and 2025. These meetings, referred to as retention calls, are designed to connect companies with resources to grow and prosper in the region. Through these conversations, The Right Place gains considerable insight into the manufacturing sector and economy in Greater Grand Rapids. The following analysis highlights those insights.
49% of companies planning to expand
50% of companies investing in training
40% of companies experiencing recruitment problems
58% of companies experiencing increasing sales
Compared to 49% in 2023
Compared to 53% in 2023
Compared to 60% in 2023
Compared to 54% in 2023
Source: The Right Place
Increasing
Stable
Decreasing
None
Yes
No
9.0%
Sales Trends
Plans to Expand
49.0%
51.0%
33.0%
58.0%
11.4% 0.4%
Investment in Training
Recruitment Problems
40.0%
50.2%
38.0%
60.0%
Source: RPI Retention Call Data
14
Manufacturing Pinch Points
2023
2024
Sales
Talent Attraction
Facility Issues
Other
Talent Development
Talent Retention
Lean/Efficiency Issues
Financing
Product Development
Management/Leadership
Incentives
Customer Issues
Industry 4.0 Adoption/Tech Needs
Municipality Issues
Supplier Issues
Infrastructure
Global Trade Issues/Tariffs
Logistics/Movement of Goods
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Source: The Right Place
Key Insights
Sales concerns move to top-of-mind: Manufacturers now cite sales as their top growth challenge. This trend flips the script of previous years when companies consistently cited talent attraction as the foremost barrier to growth. Sales trends remain steady from the previous year: Despite rising concerns over sales as a headwind, sales trends among manufacturers remained relatively stable from 2023 to 2024, with about the same share of companies citing increasing or stable sales. Companies have pulled back on planning expansion projects: Companies planning to expand have declined to 49% from 54% in 2023, potentially indicating increased caution toward large capital projects. Recruitment problems decline as investment in workforce training increases: The percentage of manufacturers reporting recruitment issues fell by 13 points from 2023 to 2024, while companies increasing training budgets grew by 1 point. Companies citing talent attraction as the top barrier to growth also declined by 5 points.
15
MICHIGAN MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY CENTER – WEST
Key Insights
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West (MMTC-West) based at The Right Place, serves a 13-county region including: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties. MMTC-West provides customized consulting and training services for manufacturers across Greater Grand Rapids. These programs are tailored to assist manufacturers across the spectrum — small to large, furniture to aerospace to food processing and beyond — in key areas including technology adoption, workforce training, quality assurance, and other consulting services. With talent at the forefront of many manufacturers’ minds, MMTC-West provides workforce training to improve employee retention and attraction, and assist companies in applying for workforce training related grant opportunities such as the Going Pro Talent Fund. MMTC-West also holds monthly sessions of the Supervisor Leader User Group (SLUG), where participants learn practical tools to be a more effective supervisor in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment.
MMTC-West Projects & Service Region
MMTC-West Projects
42
Skills Training
41 41
MASON
OSCEOLA
LAKE
Leadership
Opportunity Tech Assessments
MECOSTA
OCEANA
34
NEWAYGO
Quality Systems
MONTCALM
14 15
Match Making
MUSKEGON
KENT
Lean/ Six Sigma
OTTAWA
IONIA
200
8 4 1
Problem Solving Training
ALLEGAN
BARRY
Technology Installations
Project Management
MMTC-West projects (Dec. 2023-Jan. 2025)
Source: MMTC-West
16
INDUSTRY 4.0 ASSESSMENTS
176
Greater Grand Rapids manufacturers supported by Industry 4.0 Assessments since 2021
Top Three Recommendations for All Assessments:
• System Integration • Robotics/Cobotics
• Automation
Industry 4.0 Assessment
MMTC-West offers no-cost assessments to help manufacturers across Greater Grand Rapids adopt and integrate advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. In 2024, MMTC-West assessed 41 manufacturers and recommended system integration, automation, and robotics/cobotics in the majority of cases. Recommendations are provided to help companies achieve their own specific needs and goals. The graph below shows the evolution of recommendations presented since the Industry 4.0 Assessment program began in 2021. 2024 marked a shift in recommendations from previous years, reflecting a broader evolution in manufacturing where digital transformation is becoming a top priority. Many manufacturers have already invested in automation and robotic equipment to solve workforce challenges. As these investments continue, companies are increasingly integrating disparate business and manufacturing systems and replacing legacy software to improve insights and drive efficiency. Modern manufacturing systems like ERPs, vision systems, machine learning, and predictive maintenance increasingly use AI, which requires well-structured, comprehensive data. As manufacturers adopt AI to enhance their operations, greater emphasis will be placed on integrating and improving these systems.
Industry 4.0 Assessment Recommendations
2021-2023 Campaigns
2024 Campaign
System Integration
Automation
Robotics/Cobotics
ERP
IIoT
Simulation Software
Strategy Development
Additive Manufacturing
Cybersecurity
AR/VR
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Source: MMTC-West & The Right Place
Companies are increasingly focusing on improving and integrating their business and manufacturing systems to improve insights and drive efficiencies.
17
MMTC-WEST CASE STUDIES
To remain competitive in West Michigan’s dynamic manufacturing landscape, Holland-based KNITit needed to modernize its operations, adopt advanced technology, and upskill its workforce. With guidance from MMTC-West and The Right Place, the company underwent an Industry 4.0 Assessment, gaining critical insights into technology adoption and operational optimization. Supported by a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Technology Adoption grant, KNITit invested $350,000 in advanced equipment, along with $20,000 each in software and workforce upskilling. These efforts led to the creation of two new jobs, retention of two positions, $25,000 in cost savings, and $20,000 in new sales from launching a product line. By enhancing its capabilities and expanding into new markets, KNITit is setting a new standard in 3D knitting innovation. Faced with challenges stemming from rapid growth and the need for effective leadership in its Power Systems division, RoMan Manufacturing turned to MMTC-West for support. The company implemented leadership training focused on Lean principles, workflow optimization, and standardized work procedures to equip a newly promoted supervisor for success. These initiatives resulted in a remarkable 80% productivity increase, $750,000 in cost savings, and $360,000 in weekly sales growth through new market entries. RoMan Manufacturing also added four new full-time positions, built a $3 million facility to accommodate expansion, and cultivated a culture of continuous improvement. Recognized as a finalist for the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s Large Tier Manufacturer of the Year, RoMan Manufacturing continues to set the standard for excellence in high-current, low-voltage power solutions. Lowell-based Orb Aerospace faced the dual challenge of retaining $2 million in existing sales while pursuing new product development and modernizing outdated facilities and equipment. To address these critical needs, they partnered with MMTC- West and The Right Place, benefiting from an Industry 4.0 Assessment and securing a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Technology Adoption grant. These efforts enabled the company to invest $500,000 in facility upgrades, retain three jobs, and generate $150,000 in new product revenues. As Michigan’s first aircraft manufacturer since WWII, Orb Aerospace is now positioned to lead the reindustrialization of aerospace manufacturing with cutting-edge technologies.
Project: Industry 4.0 Assessment and MEDC
Technology Adoption Grant Outcomes: $500k in facility upgrades, three jobs retained, $150k in new product revenue.
Project: Industry 4.0 Assessment and MEDC Technology Adoption Grant Outcomes: $350k in advanced equipment, two new positions, $20k in new sales, and more.
Project: Leadership training Outcomes: 80% productivity increase, $750k cost savings, and $360k increase in weekly sales growth.
18
THE RIGHT PLACE | MMTC – WEST MANUFACTURERS COUNCIL The Right Place, Inc. convened the Manufacturers Council in 1989 to unite manufacturers in the region and identify common interests, goals, and opportunities to improve the local manufacturing economy. Members of the Manufacturers Council have a collective vision “. . . to advance West Michigan as a global center of manufacturing excellence.” From that vision comes the council’s mission to inspire a community of dedicated manufacturing-focused companies to deliver solutions and prosperity to its members. Throughout 2025 and 2026 the Manufacturers Council Working Group will focus on these initiatives: AI Roadmap Initiative: The Manufacturers Council’s AI Roadmap Working Group is a collaborative team dedicated to guiding manufacturers in integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. This group focuses on developing strategies, sharing best practices, and providing resources to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies within the manufacturing sector. Talent Working Group: Improving the community workforce development system to better prepare the future local talent pool, particularly through our Discover Manufacturing website. Best in Class Knowledge Sharing Working Group: Utilizing existing programs more effectively, establish user/work group(s) and education forums, such as the Continuous Improvement Activities work group.
AI in Manufacturing Roadmap
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0
Created by manufacturers for manufacturers, the AI for Manufacturing Roadmap is a strategic guide for manufacturers interested in investing and implementing AI into their business. The report is designed as a diagnostic tool to identify current needs and opportunities where AI can serve as a catalyst for your organization.
Industry 3.0
Industry 3.0
Industry 3.0
Digital Innovation Journey
AI can lead to a 40%+ increase in productivity by 2035 Multiple independent reports suggest that in the manufacturing industry
19
AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Lead Authors
Lead Design
Andria Romkema Senior Vice President, Business Development
John Wiegand Business Intelligence & Research Manager
Eric Heys Marketing Coordinator
Contributors
Terry Hossink Vice President, Manufacturing Services
Steven Lopez Director of Manufacturing Solutions, MMTC-West
Brad Comment Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Randy Thelen President & CEO
20
125 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 450 | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 info@rightplace.org | 616.771.0325
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