HOLLAND ? A West Michigan manufacturer turned a bad experience with off-the-shelf Enterprise Resource Planning systems into a business opportunity. When Fogg Filler looked to buy an ERP system and realized none of the available solutions fit its needs, it set loose an internal team to develop a system that worked for the company, said
HOLLAND - Four years ago, Fogg Filler Co. needed a new Enterprise Resource Planning system because the system it had custom-built in the 1980s was no longer efficient. The company wanted a new system to improve engineering efficiency and to offer a unified platform for enhanced visibility across the company, said Todd Kemme, engineering manager
GRAND RAPIDS - Investors attracted to deals on the coasts for years overlooked Michigan as a flyover state, but those perceptions seem to be slowly changing as more outside money sets its sights on in-state companies. Just ask Ned Tomasevic, principal of Los Angeles-based private investment firm Toma Capital Management LLC. Tomasevic, who earned his
LANSING - In an order, the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled unanimously approving a Public Service Commission decision allowing for the siting and construction of a wind energy transmission line. The decision reversed in part a decision of the Court of Appeals that the PSC, and a 2008 act requiring minimum alternative energy generation in
DETROIT ? Metropolitan Detroit's economy grew again in March, the eighth consecutive month of positive economic activity, according to the Southeast Michigan Purchasing Managers Index. The PMI grew by four points in March, from 51.7 to 55.7, signifying a faster growing economy. The three month average also increased from 52.9 to 54.2. Generally, PMI values
ANN ARBOR ? A group of Michigan faculty, students, alumni, university research and research partner institutions are launching in the second quarter Michigan eLab, a $40 million investment pool focused on financing promising U-M start ups. In January, Michigan eLab received $2.25 million from the Pure Michigan Venture Development Fund, which received its funding from
DETROIT - Clark Hill PLC and Thorp Reed & Armstrong LLP announced Friday a merger that will include more than 300 attorneys at 12 offices in seven states. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter. The combined firm will utilize the brand name Clark Hill Thorp Reed in chosen markets, including all
EAST LANSING - As Michigan becomes the nation's 24th right-to-work state, its residents remain sharply divided over whether the new law will hurt or help the economy, Michigan State University?s latest State of the State Survey shows. Of the 1,013 Michigan adults surveyed this winter, 42.7 percent said they believe the new law will help
LANSING - Most retailers maintain a positive projection for spring sales but the industry's overall short-term outlook took a hit in February, according to the Michigan Retailers Association, falling more than seven points on the index. The sales index number for February dropped below 50 for the second time in three months, showing consumers were
LANSING - The assessment paid by auto insurance customers to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association will increase 6 percent on July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, the association announced on Wednesday. The increase is $11 more than current rates, or $186 per insured vehicle, and represents $156.44 to cover anticipated new claims, $29.12 to