MANUFACTURING

Lakeshore Advantage receives grant to help local manufacturers with industry readiness

Sentinel Staff

ZEELAND — A local economic development organization has received $92,787 in grant funding to help manufacturers implement new technologies.

Lakeshore Advantage assists employers with growth opportunities in Allegan and Ottawa counties. The grant funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund will go toward increasing manufacturers' industry readiness.

Industry 4.0, also known as the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” is the next phase of manufacturing improvement. Technologies include virtual reality, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, simulation, cloud computing and 3D printing.

By implementing "Industry 4.0" technologies, manufacturers can improve efficiency, create higher revenue and increase innovation.

“With one in three of our region’s jobs in manufacturing, Industry 4.0 technologies are critical to West Michigan’s economic and job growth,” said Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens. “This grant supercharges initiatives to secure our region’s place as an Industry 4.0 leader, recognizing West Michigan as the place to be for leading edge manufacturing technologies.

"We are grateful to (the Michigan Economic Development Corporation) for funding this initiative and are looking forward to working with employers, smart manufacturing implementers and regional partners as we focus on our region’s industry success.”  

Lakeshore Advantage applied for the grant in partnership with The Right Place, Greater Muskegon Economic Development and Michigan Manufacturing Technical Center-West, allowing the initiative to extend into Muskegon and Kent counties.

Industry 4.0, also known as the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” is the next phase of manufacturing improvement. Technologies include virtual reality, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, simulation, cloud computing and 3D printing.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together as a region to support our businesses in the area,” said The Right Place CEO Randy Thelen. “Together with partners, we will bring state of the art Industry 4.0 resources to our region’s manufacturers, increase their global competitiveness, and drive new prosperity in our community.”

In total, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved nearly $2 million in grants for 10 nonprofit organizations around the state to provide industry readiness programming and services.

Industry 4.0, also known as the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” is the next phase of manufacturing improvement. Technologies include virtual reality, cybersecurity, robotics and automation, simulation, cloud computing and 3D printing.