Page 17 - LRCC April 2022 Focus

MSU Broad College of Business Minskoff Pavilion. Credit: Broad College of Business | Michigan State University

Professor Melnyk says his biggest concern is whether As painful as they have been, the supply chain disruptions
American industry will take the needed action to adjust of the past two years have heightened awareness of
to fundamental supply chain challenges. He cites small- the critical importance that the linked supply chain
to medium-sized manufacturers as a major concern — network and all its various components play in our lives
companies with 500 employees or fewer. and our increasingly connected global economy. It also
underscores the enormous opportunities that exist for
“These companies we don’t pay as much attention to, but economic growth for businesses that support that global
in many cases, they are critical to the growth of the U.S. supply chain.
economy,” said Professor Melnyk. “They provide between
42 and 47 percent of employment. They also provide a lot of
innovation.” GREATER LANSING BECOMING A SUPPLY CHAIN HUB
The Greater Lansing region has quietly been growing
During the pandemic, manufacturers have been plagued its footprint in the supply chain arena. According to the
with extended delivery times, particularly with freight Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the supply chain
coming from overseas. Numerous challenges in the sector contributes $427 million to the local economy.
trucking industry, including a shortage of drivers, have Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) president
slowed deliveries, and a general labor shortage is taking a and CEO Tim Daman contends the region is perfectly
huge toll across the board. situated for substantial growth in the supply chain area
because of our central location and infrastructure.
Cindy Kangas, executive director of the
Capital Area Manufacturers Council, “We have the freeway system
notes that many manufacturers are connecting us to Canada and Mexico,
working to shift their supplier base a viable airport and rail line moving
to include more local manufacturers through the airport for moving goods,”
instead of going overseas. said Daman. “The infrastructure is in
place to support growth.”
“I feel that the manufacturers that
are excelling right now are the ones Delta Township has grown into the
that are diversifying and changing Kangas regional hub for the supply chain
it up a bit,” said Kangas. “The ones sector. The township is home to one Daman
that are staying strong are the ones that have very strong General Motors (GM) assembly plant,
relationships with their customers.” the recently announced GM battery plant, several GM parts

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