Page 4 - LRCC October 2022 Focus

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER FOCUS MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2022

Greater Lansing is a Leader in

Advanced Manufacturing

or more than a century, Greater Lansing has been a world leader in manufacturing. Our
ability to effectively compete in a global economy has resulted in continued economic
Fgrowth, jobs, investment, and an outstanding quality of life for families and thriving
communities. Our connection to manufacturing has spawned an entrepreneurial spirit that
allows us to innovate and overcome challenges.
The foundation of our manufacturing roots has been the strong presence of General Motors
and automotive-related manufacturing. What may be most impressive about the GM/
Lansing partnership through the decades has been the ability to remain competitive in the
face of changing industry dynamics. The most recent example is GM’s $3 billion investment
announcement in the new Ultium battery plant, a joint partnership between GM and TIM DAMAN
LG Energy. That includes substantial investment in GM’s two existing assembly plants and PRESIDENT AND CEO
LANSING REGIONAL
positions our region as a leader in the electric vehicle market. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It is also noteworthy how the advanced manufacturing landscape has evolved in our
region. Greater Lansing is now home to a very diverse industry sector whose impact has a
global reach.
Neogen is one success story that began in this region in the 1980s. That company has grown
into a world leader in food and animal safety products. Neogen recently announced a $71.5
million expansion in Lansing and an exciting merger with 3M Food Safety, which enhances
the company’s leadership status. Neogen along with Emergent BioSolutions are two
excellent examples of our region’s growth in the biotech and life sciences sector. Our community

Bekum America is another example of a company that has quietly grown as the industry is a great
leader in the manufacture of blow molding machines that produce containers that all of us example of the
use everyday.
changing face of

There are many other exciting stories in our region that often fly under the radar, such as manufacturing
Niowave, which has recently started shipping medical isotopes that offer the potential for in our country.
medical breakthroughs in areas including cancer treatment. Medical and pharmaceutical
company McKesson recently chose Delhi Township as an ideal location for a new We still make
distribution facility. things as well as
anywhere in the
Our region also has a growing presence in the aerospace industry, as best represented
by Pratt Whitney, which manufactures fan blades for jet engines. LorAnn Oils is a great world, and the
example of a family-owned business that has thrived for 60 years and has become a leader opportunities that
in manufacturing premium flavorings and essential oils.
exist in the new
Our region is fortunate to have a strong foundation of organizations committed to manufacturing
education and workforce training to build the talent pipeline. Lansing Community College,
Ingham Intermediate School District, Eaton RESA, and Clinton RESA are providing state-of- economy are
the-art programming for the growing number of students interested in opportunities in the endless. That
professional trades.
is why Greater
We are also very proud of the strong partnership with the Capital Area Manufacturing Lansing will
Council and its efforts to build awareness about the new era in advanced manufacturing remain a global
that is thriving in the Greater Lansing region.
leader!
Our community is a great example of the changing face of manufacturing in our country.
We still make things as well as anywhere in the world, and the opportunities that exist in
the new manufacturing economy are endless. That is why Greater Lansing will remain a
global leader! l
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