Articles by Andy Balaskovitz
DeVos family developing private golf club in Michigan
These are Detroit’s 50 fastest-growing companies for 2026 Historically, our annual ranking of the region's fastest-growing companies has been dominated by trends. This year, it's a different story.
Private equity firm plans 4.8M square feet of industrial space along I-94 in Southeast Michigan
The hospital system confirmed it is conducting due diligence on the 1.4 million-square-foot property and engaging outside firms for a feasibility study and cost analysis of the property as well as other potential sites.
Wintrust spreads its brand in West Michigan via Grand Rapids naming rights deal
Wintrust Financial Corp. will sponsor prominent entry points at the new Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids in a move to further spread its brand in West Michigan after acquiring Macatawa Bank.
Walbridge teams with startup to divert tons of construction waste at Ford’s new battery plant
5 takeaways from Mary Sheffield’s 1st State of the City address In her first State of the City speech, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield stuck to kitchen table issues and called on employers to raise worker pay
Longtime Hudsonville Ice Cream owner Denny Ellens dies
Dennis Ellens, the longtime owner and former CEO of Hudsonville Creamery and Ice Cream Co., died Saturday. He was 70 years old. The Ellens family said in a statement Sunday that it is “with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Denny Ellens, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend." “He deeply believed in building a business grounded in integrity, quality, and service to others, and he took great pride in the West Michigan community we call home.
Microsoft comes forward as company behind proposed West Michigan data center
Microsoft is behind plans for a potential $1 billion data center in Lowell Township, marking at least the third West Michigan location the tech giant is pursuing for such a facility. Microsoft officials said in a Jan. 2 letter to township officials that the company is considering acquiring industrial land along I-96 in eastern Kent County for the project, which has been the subject of community debate for months.
Microsoft preparing 356-acre site for data center south of Grand Rapids
Microsoft Corp. has submitted plans to prepare a roughly 356-acre site in Kent County for a data center, roughly a year after the tech giant acquired property for a potential project. Gaines Township planning documents show Microsoft needs 40.5 acres rezoned to accommodate the project. Township planning officials have recommended approving the change, noting that it would not have an adverse effect on adjacent properties, property values and nearby wetlands.
A massive battery project planned near Ludington would be Michigan's largest
One of the largest utilities and energy developers in North America plans to build a massive battery storage project along the lakeshore near Ludington that would be the biggest of its kind in Michigan. Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy has pitched plans to officials in Amber Township and Mason County that would include two phases totaling 500 megawatts of energy storage capacity. Utility officials say the project could power 200,000 homes for four hours when discharged.
Utz to close its Michigan manufacturing facility
Utz Brands Inc., the maker of Utz, Boulder Canyon, Zapp’s and On the Border chips, will close its Michigan manufacturing facility and warehouse over the first half of 2026, the company announced Thursday.
Adac boosts vertical integration with acquisition of EBW Electronics
Injection molder Adac Automotive Inc. has acquired an electronics supplier in a deal that executives say helps work toward vertical integration and contributes to an ongoing diversification strategy. The Tier 1 auto supplier, founded in 1975 and a longtime supplier of door handles and exterior mirrors, closed on the deal for Holland, Mich.-based EBW Electronics, a manufacturer of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), on April 1. It marks the family-owned Adac's first acquisition.
Michigan electronics supplier ADAC advances vertical integration with acquisition
EBW Electronics President Cory Steeby, left, with ADAC Automotive CEO Jon Husby join forces at EBW's operation in Holland Township, Mich.
How Great Lakes states are encouraging more nuclear energy Original
Lawmakers in Illinois, Michigan and Ohio are making moves to ensure their states capture the emerging market for nuclear energy, including investments in next-generation small reactors that may begin to dot the country over the next decade. Here’s a look at some of their proposals and other options for growing states’ nuclear output: Former plants Michigan is unique for its ability to reopen a shuttered nuclear plant.
First U.S. nuclear plant restart at Palisades inches forward
Holtec International, which acquired the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Covert, Michigan, in 2022, says it remains on track for a historic reopening of the power plant by the end of 2025. While critics of the plan are calling for a more thorough environmental analysis of the restart, Holtec officials and Michigan energy regulators say the company has so far complied with the reopening process set out by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Data centers at odds with Consumers Energy as development interest grows
A coalition of data center companies opposes Consumers Energy Co.’s proposal to protect Michigan customers from potentially paying the costs of new power plants if the data center boom doesn’t fully materialize. Consumers’ latest rate request before state regulators is meant to address those concerns about overbuilding the grid for data centers, resulting in potential stranded costs for all other ratepayers.
Most Michigan school districts are losing students. See where yours ranks.
Between 2009 and 2023, 80% of Michigan’s traditional school districts experienced enrollment declines. The reason is no secret: The number of children in Michigan is shrinking, a trend that has major implications for the state’s education system. To see how headcount has changed in an individual Michigan school district, tap the interactive map below or use the sortable table that follows. Read more about Michigan’s K-12 enrollment decline in this month’s Crain’s Forum.
Consumers, DTE land $14B in federal loan guarantees for electric and gas projects
Michigan’s two largest investor-owned utilities have received more than $14 billion in conditional loan guarantees from the Biden administration to invest in renewable energy, battery storage and natural gas modernization projects. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy will receive most of the total $22.92 billion in loan financing announced today by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office for eight utilities serving millions of customers across the country.
Consumers, DTE land $14B in federal loan guarantees for electric and gas projects
Michigan’s two largest investor-owned utilities have received more than $14 billion in conditional loan guarantees from the Biden administration to invest in renewable energy, battery storage and natural gas modernization projects. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy will receive most of the total $22.92 billion in loan financing announced today by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office for eight utilities serving millions of customers across the country.
Whirlpool’s answer to inflation: Charging more for fewer parts and less paint
On its face, Whirlpool Corp.’s newest washing machine, with its modern muted veneer, looks nicer than its old ones. And for $100 more, it should be. But behind the scenes, the century-old U.S. appliance maker implemented a series of cost-cutting measures to squeeze more profit out of its machines.
Under new law, landlords can’t deny tenants who pay with housing assistance
New legislation in Michigan makes the source of one’s income for housing a protected class. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this week signed a package of bills that will outlaw some landlords “from denying a tenant housing based on their source of income,” according to a news release sent Monday from Whitmer’s office.
Can nickel mining recycling ease environmental concerns?
MATERIALS: The nation’s only nickel mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has secured $195 million in state and federal funding to extract valuable materials from mining waste that supporters hope bring more value and reduce environmental risk.
Custom countertop service provider sells to 120 employees
A West Michigan custom countertop service provider for residential and commercial clients has sold to its 120 employees. Executives with Grandville-based Premier Granite and Stone Inc. recently announced the deal for an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that took effect on Aug. 30.
Saab plans $75M plant near Camp Grayling to assemble shoulder-fired munitions
Global aerospace and defense manufacturer Saab Inc. plans a $75 million investment Up North in Grayling Township for a new integration and assembly facility that makes shoulder-fired munitions and other weapons for the U.S. military. State officials this morning announced the advanced manufacturing project that promises to create up to 69 jobs in Crawford County, about 160 miles northeast of Grand Rapids.
President Joe Biden exits re-election campaign
In a follow up statement, Biden announced his “full support and endorsement” of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a statement posted to X today called Biden “a great public servant who knows better than anyone what it takes to defeat Donald Trump,” who last week accepted the nomination as the Republican candidate.
Consumers Energy breaks ground on state’s 2nd-largest solar project
Jackson-based utility Consumers Energy broke ground today on what would be Michigan’s second-largest solar energy project, under a partnership with Muskegon County. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres at the county’s Resource Recovery Center, the Muskegon Solar Energy Center will be a 250 megawatt facility once operational in 2026.
Rite Aid to close more Michigan stores in bankruptcy restructuring
15411 Southfield Road, Allen Park 3880 Wilder Road, Bay City G4033 Fenton Road, Burton 6026 Lapeer Road, Burton 4519 Richfield Road, Flint 107 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms 37399 Six Mile Road, Livonia 936 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington 2985 Main St., Marlette 640 N. Milford Road, Milford 603 E.
Judge orders Michigan township to stop blocking Gotion EV battery factory
A federal judge has ruled in favor of Gotion Inc.’s attempt to force a township to comply with a development agreement outlined for a $2.36 billion battery plant near Big Rapids, Mich. U.S. District Judge Jane Beckering on Friday granted Gotion’s request for a preliminary injunction effectively forcing Green Township officials to support the company’s plan for the massive battery components plant.
Ascension reports cybersecurity incident, possible data breach
Ascension has detected a cybersecurity incident that is disrupting its clinical operations, and has advised business partners to disconnect from its systems. The nonprofit health system said Wednesday it had discovered “unusual activity” on select network systems that it believes is due to a cybersecurity event. An Ascension spokesperson did not respond to questions about the extent of the disruption. Ascension said it is still determining what, if any, sensitive information has been compromised.
MSU vaccine-tech spinoff hopes it can make lightning strike again
Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today. More from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business: Grand Rapids entrepreneur launches e-commerce platform for diverse-owned businesses New tool from Fifth Third Bank offers insight into West Michigan economic trends Priority Health names new chief medical officer
Detroit makes NFL Draft history with 700,000 in attendance — and hours to go
Detroit broke the all-time NFL Draft attendance record less than two hours into the event’s third and final day, drawing 700,000 people over three days and shattering the record set by Nashville in 2019. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the total around 1:30 p.m. Saturday as she took the stage in Campus Martius Park to announce the Lions’ fourth-round pick., “It has been a historic week here in the great city of Detroit,” said Whitmer, clad in a Lions starter jacket.
Adac CEO eyes diversification in a rough auto supply industry
Since being named the first non-family-member CEO of Adac Automotive Inc. in August, Jon Husby has had to contend with a barrage of obstacles. That includes fluctuating volumes from automakers coming out of the pandemic, a continuing war in Ukraine, a six-week UAW strike, and a need to keep up employee morale in an evolving auto sector, Husby said. On top of all that, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company experienced a cyber attack that shut down production for about 36 hours in April 2023.
Up North utility wants to run a power line across Lake Michigan
The regional grid operator that oversees electric reliability in 15 states, including nearly all of Michigan, recently released a series of proposed transmission projects aimed at stabilizing the power grid in the future as more renewables come online and coal plants retire.
State rejects Consumers Energy plan to replace biomass power with solar
State rejects Consumers Energy plan to replace biomass power with solar By Andy Balaskovitz Crain’s Grand Rapids Business March 15, 2024 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Region: United States, US East State energy regulators have rejected Consumers Energy’s request to exit contracts in the coming months that would have resulted in the closure of two wood-fired biomass plants in Cadillac and the northeastern Lower Peninsula.
2 more Michigan biomass plants set to close as industry’s future hangs in jeopardy
2 more Michigan biomass plants set to close as industry’s future hangs in jeopardy By Andy Balaskovitz Crain’s Grand Rapids Business February 5, 2024 Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy Two of the five remaining wood-fired biomass energy plants in the Lower Peninsula may close in the coming months, raising questions about the energy source’s future as it attempts to compete with cheaper wind, solar and natural gas.
In Kansas, wind energy thrived as coal froze
UTILITIES: Xcel Energy wants time-of-use rates to be the default billing system for its Minnesota residential customers, proposing to double prices for power during peak late afternoon and early evening hours. (Energy News Network) WIND: As Kansas City utility Evergy’s coal supplies froze during last week’s winter storms, wind turbines provided thousands of megawatts of power to keep the utility’s grid stable.
Amazon’s cleaning service provider to cut 114 jobs in Michigan
GDI Services Inc., a janitorial service provider for Amazon, is cutting 114 jobs at two Michigan fulfillment centers as the e-commerce giant severs its contract with the company. GDI Services will permanently lay off 28 employees in Shelby Township in Macomb County and 86 workers in Gaines Township southeast of Grand Rapids, according to a WARN Act filing with state regulators on Jan. 5. The layoffs will occur on March 5.
Economic development will be key priority for Dems in 2024, Senate majority leader says
What’s on your radar heading into 2024? A bill awaiting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature would give Kent County the ability to raise hotel/motel taxes with voter approval, which could help fund major economic development projects proposed in the city. How did this proposal come together and what would this mean for Grand Rapids? Were the amphitheater and soccer stadium key drivers behind this legislation?
Metro Detroit EV supplier plans $7.9M expansion in West Michigan
The Michigan Strategic Fund board on Tuesday approved a $2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the company’s West Michigan expansion. The grant will support ATC Drivetrain’s 170,000-square-foot expansion at 1285 Waverly Road, according to a Michigan Economic Development Corp. memo to MSF board members.
Mich. township board ousted over planned Gotion EV battery plant
The entire township board of a northern Michigan community was ousted last week by residents upset over tax breaks it approved for a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery plant. Voters recalled Green Township Supervisor Jim Chapman and four trustees, as well as the supervisor of neighboring Big Rapids Township. The other two members of Green Township's seven-person board resigned before the election.
Gotion undeterred by recall of supporters for its $2.4B battery plant in Michigan
While local opponents of Gotion's plan for a $2.4 billion electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant near Grand Rapids, Mich., are "thrilled" with the outcome of Tuesday's election recalling an entire township board, company officials say the project is moving forward as planned.
Gotion undeterred by recall of supporters of $2.4B battery plant near Big Rapids
Meanwhile, Gotion Vice President Chuck Thelen said in a letter earlier this month to state economic development officials that the company considers the project "a done deal." "We are finalizing all legal entity descriptions and Gotion is diligently moving forward in many different facets of this project," Thelen wrote. Those facets include finalizing site plans, selecting a design firm, completing due diligence on permit applications and interviewing candidates for multiple positions.
Grand Rapids laundromat to be first in Michigan to sell alcohol
Bates and his attorney, Christopher Gartman of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone PLC, then appealed the MLCC's denial to Kent County Circuit Court, which remanded the case back to the MLCC for reconsideration. During Tuesday's hearing, Gartman noted that the business had submitted additional details about site security and emergency response plans to the MLCC. The plan was also scaled back slightly to serve only single-serving drinks such as cans of beer, wine or cider.
Palisades owner secures contract to sell power if Michigan nuclear plant reopens
In addition to securing state and federal funding and regulatory approvals to reopen the plant, the power purchase agreement is another crucial step for Holtec to ensure it has a market to sell its electricity. Palisades would become the first nuclear plant in the United States to reopen after it had been closed for decommissioning. “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership,” Kelly Trice, president of Holtec Nuclear Generation and Decommissioning, said in a statement.
TV station fires 4 in fallout from Pride Month memo that caused furor
June 30, 2023 12:21 PM 7 minutes ago Four WOOD-TV8 newsroom officials have been fired as the result of a recent internal memo from station directors that ordered reporters and producers to back off from LGBTQ-related coverage during Pride Month.
Former Ohio lawmaker sentenced to 20 years for bribery scheme
Editor’s note: Midwest Energy News will not publish July 3 and 4; we’ll be back Wednesday, July 5. OHIO: A federal judge sentences former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder to 20 years in prison for his role in a $61 million bribery and corruption scheme that resulted in legislation to benefit FirstEnergy.
Bills would slash cost of home solar, energy storage systems for low-income residents
HB 4840, sponsored by state Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, would create a $500-per-kilowatt rebate for a solar installation, which would double to $1,000-per-kilowatt for "income-qualified" customers, or those whose household income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level. Battery storage systems would receive a similar $300-per-kilowatt-hour rebate, or $600-per-kilowatt-hour for low-income customers.
Farmer claims nuisance complaint is retaliation for Gotion plant opposition. State says it's following procedure.
State agriculture officials say they are following standard procedure by investigating a complaint against a Mecosta County horse breeder who recently held a rally against the proposed Gotion Inc. battery plant, which the farm's owner called a communist plot to take over the community. Lori Brock, the owner of Majestic Friesians in Green Charter Township, was served a "Right to Farm" complaint last week over alleged manure run-off into Muskegon River tributaries.
Feds charge 3 Michigan trucking companies over diesel engine tampering
Wyoming, Mich.-based truckload service provider Griffin Transportation Inc. and its owners Craig Scholten and Ryan Bos are among the companies and individuals facing charges for conspiracy to violate the federal Clean Air Act and for violating the Clean Air Act by tampering with monitoring devices.
Crain’s Grand Rapids on WOOD-TV8: Launching a new brand of business news
A new source of business news arrived in West Michigan today with the launch of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. Crain’s Grand Rapids was created from the consolidation of the Grand Rapids Business Journal and MiBiz, both of which Crain Communications purchased in 2022. The publication marks Crain Communications Inc.’s fifth city brand, alongside Crain’s Detroit Business, Crain’s Chicago Business, Crain’s New York Business and Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Closed Michigan nuclear plant may seek $300 million from state for reboot
The owner and operator of a shuttered Southwest Michigan nuclear power plant may ask for about $300 million in state funding to help reopen the facility.
Illinois Gov. Pritzker open to lifting ban on new nuclear plants
Skip to content NUCLEAR: • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is generally supportive of a bill to lift the state’s moratorium on nuclear development, particularly if it means building out small, modular nuclear reactors. (Capitol News Illinois)• Illinois is selected to participate in a multi-state collaborative of energy regulators exploring the future potential of nuclear generation.
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