LANSING - The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved three grants to create a new business incubator in Flint and build new manufacturing plants in the Grand Rapids area and Port Huron. The MSF will provide a $286,000 performance-based grant to Siliconature Corp., and a $496,000 performance-based grant to HP Pelzer Automotive Systems Inc. Funds are
SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield-based automotive supply chain software developer Radley Corp. Tuesday announced the launch of new web-based supplier collaboration software, iSC. Developed in response to customer and industry demand for a more efficient method of communicating with suppliers, iSC allows automotive manufacturers to take control of their supply chain, ensuring accurate and effective communication
LANSING — State officials have announced financial support for an expansion of a Huntington Bank call center in Flint that will result in the creation of 60 new jobs and a $5.4 million investment. The Huntington complex is on Saginaw Street across from the University of Michigan-Flint campus. The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a
BENTON HARBOR — OK, so it’s not a spy microwave. But Whirlpool Corp. has announced the introduction of a French door refrigerator from Jenn-Air featuring WiFi connectivity. In addition to a range of smart features, from remote control to maintenance reminders, the new model offers generous capacity and a host of food preservation features to
ANN ARBOR — The Ann Arbor-based Association for Advancing Automation announced a joint U.S.-China Robotics Forum, to be held April 4 at the Automate 2017 Show and Conference at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The forum will bring together A3’s Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the North American robotics industry trade organization, and its counterpart, the China Robot
AUBURN HILLS — The Zürich, Switzerland-based technology company ABB has sold its first robot manufactured in the United States. The IRB 2600 robot is the first to be produced at the ABB Auburn Hills plant, and was sold by ABB reseller CIM Systems Inc., based in Milan, Italy, to Hitachi Powdered Metals USA Inc. of
EAST LANSING — Rebecca Anthony, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the Michigan State University College of Engineering, has been awarded a five-year, $500,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award to research nanostructure manufacturing that will make LED lights more efficient and versatile. NSF CAREER awards support junior faculty who exemplify the role
EAST LANSING — Engineering researchers at Michigan State University have developed the first stretchable integrated circuit that is made entirely using an inkjet printer, raising the possibility of inexpensive mass production of smart fabric. Imagine: an ultrathin smart tablet that can be stretched from mini-size to extra large. Or a rubber band-like wrist monitor that
DETROIT - Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index was down slightly in December, by 0.1 percentage points, to a level of 129.7. The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of eight variables: nonfarm payrolls, exports, hotel occupancy rates, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, housing starts, sales tax revenues, home prices, and auto production. All data are
DEARBORN - The 3D printer manufacturer EnvisionTec Friday previewed a new high-speed printer to joint the company’s Vida line for dental professionals. The unveiling came at the LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Now in its 33rd year, LMT Lab Day is the largest dental lab event in the United States. Sponsored by LMT Communications Inc.,
