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
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