Between 2010 and 2020, the state of Michigan saw a population decline. Yet, the city of Grand Rapids was an exception to this trend. Instead of a decline, Grand Rapids saw a 5.8% population growth rate. Booming top industries in Grand Rapids are a big reason why.
Grand Rapids is home to several thriving industries. These industries provide great job opportunities with lots of room for growth. As a result, job seekers are drawn to the city, making it West Michigan’s biggest hub.
This article will look at 5 of Grand Rapids’ top industries. We’ll discuss what they do and why they’re contributing to the economic growth in Grand Rapids, MI.
1. Manufacturing
Grand Rapids is home to the largest concentration of manufacturing companies in the United States. The city is particularly known for its furniture manufacturing sector.
This all started in 1876 when Grands Rapids-made furniture made a splash at an expo in Philadelphia. This reputation remains to this day.
Today, Grand Rapids is home to some of America’s top names in office furniture. Renowned makers like Steelcase and Herman Miller have their global headquarters in the city.
Other than furniture, Grand Rapids is also home to major technology, automotive, medical device, metal, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Overall, manufacturing accounts for 19% of all jobs in the region.
Read more about the tech solutions used by the top Grand Rapids industries: |
2. Agriculture
Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in America as a producer of over 300 products. This is largely due to the city’s location. It’s nestled right next to the Great Lakes, which means there’s plenty of access to water.
International food and beverage companies are establishing themselves in Grand Rapids thanks to its incredible agribusiness sector. Food giants like Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, and Founders Brewing all have a Grand Rapids location.
Michigan State University established their product center to bolster the region’s agriculture industry. The center’s aim is to support food entrepreneurs and help them grow their businesses.
Looking to grow your business? There’s an IT company in Grand Rapids that can help. |
3. Tourism
Grand Rapids, Michigan may not be the first American city that comes to mind as a tourist attraction. Yet, the area’s tourism industry is growing rapidly. Part of the reason for this attraction is that Grand Rapids is a great family-friendly destination that still has plenty for adults.
Grand Rapids is also an excellent destination for outdoorsy tourists. The city has several parks, trails, and waterways for visitors to explore and plenty of wilderness nearby. The urban-rural atmosphere also fosters a vibrant array of delicious farm-to-table restaurants.
The top attraction in Grand Rapids is definitely its proximity to the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are a global attraction, drawing 6.5 million visitors from around the world every year. This influx of visitors generates $52 billion in the region annually.
4. Health Care Products
Alongside Grand Rapids’ thriving manufacturing sector, the city is also home to numerous medical device creators. Many of these companies are located along the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids.
Among these world renowned medical product producers is the Stryker Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. The company produces orthopedic implants, surgical equipment, and other medical devices. Stryker Corporation is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 3,000 employees in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Rapids also hosts several research and development organizations focused on medical product development. These organizations work on developing new technologies, testing and evaluating medical products, and conducting clinical trials to bring new medical products to market.
Source: Michigan Business
5. Information Technology
Software development, cybersecurity, IoT, managed IT services, and app development are all thriving in Grand Rapids. Much of this has to do with top universities that generate emerging tech talent. Tech graduates build new start-ups and attract tech companies to the city regularly.
With over 10,000 STEM graduates entering the workforce every year, Grand Rapids’ technology growth is projected to be 18.3% between 2016 and 2026. Currently, information technology employs 6.1% of Grand Rapids’ workforce. However, 72% of local companies plan to increase tech hiring.
Between hires, many of these companies rely on IT consultants in the Grand Rapids area. These consultants offer advice on technology growth as businesses increase their IT hiring. Local consultants frequently offer the best advice because they’re also well-versed in local business standards.
The KR Group is Proud to Provide Managed IT Services to the Leading Industries in Grand Rapids
The KR Group is proud to be among the top Grand Rapids IT companies. We happily offer support to any company working in any one of the city’s bustling industries.
With The KR Group, you can stop worrying about your IT problems because we will handle them for you. Instead, you can focus on making your business profitable.
We are your one-stop-shop for all the managed IT services you need. Our comprehensive suite of managed services includes:
- IT consulting
- IT management
- Network support
- IT support services
- IT helpdesk services
- Project implementation
- Advanced cybersecurity services
Contact us today so your business can thrive like any one of the top industries in Grand Rapids.