West Michigan Economic Indicators Up In January

drbrianlong835749
drbrianlong835749

Key manufacturing indicators in west Michigan rose sharply in January, a sign that the area’s economy is rebounding according to a Grand Valley State University economic expert. The director of supply management research at the Seidman College of Business, Dr. Brian Long, says despite ongoing recession fears, the employment situation in west Michigan remains surprisingly strong.

“All of our major indices are positive, but both of the major national surveys of the industrial market are negative and sliding little by little, like they have been, for the last few months. It’s automotive that is holding up the west Michigan economy and in fact the whole Michigan economy.”

Long says they can still expect our automotive parts producers to offset much of the weakness in other industries, especially office furniture.