Ask almost any manufacturer in Northern Michigan about growth, and you’ll hear two things. First, they’re ready to expand. Second, they’re having a hard time finding a place to do it.
That’s the challenge behind some exciting news: the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to study manufacturing growth opportunities across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties.
Demand for growth is here. The space isn’t.
In the NLEA service area, nearly all our industrial park land is already developed or occupied. The parcels that remain often lack adequate infrastructure that would require significant investment, which adds real cost for any business looking to grow.
At the same time, the appetite to grow is strong. Our Spring 2026 Economic Pulse Report found that 74% of surveyed local business leaders plan a physical expansion within the next four years, and most of those plans come from manufacturers.
“We know there is an appetite among existing manufacturers to grow, but we also know that available industrial land and infrastructure are limiting those opportunities,” said Dave Kronberg, NLEA’s Director of Business Growth. “This analysis will help us identify where investment can have the greatest impact and give our communities the information they need to be proactive in supporting future business growth.”
What the study will look at
With this funding, NLEA will bring on a professional consulting firm to take a close look at the region and answer some important questions:
- Which manufacturing sectors have the greatest potential to grow here?
- Where are the best sites for future development?
- What infrastructure and services are needed to support new investment?
The finished analysis will include a market overview and trends, supply and demand analysis, location and infrastructure assessments, and forecasts and recommendations. Together, that gives NLEA and our local government partners a data-driven roadmap for preparing the region for manufacturing investment.
Why manufacturing matters for our region
Tourism and hospitality are a big part of who we are in Northern Michigan, and they always will be. But a stronger manufacturing base helps diversify our economy and creates more year-round jobs. Manufacturing ranks third in the region by number of employees, yet it produces the greatest share of Gross Regional Product and wages of any sector.
Our federal partners see that potential, too.
“Northern Michigan has the workforce, ingenuity, and work ethic to make things right here at home,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman. “This investment by the EDA will help our communities identify new opportunities to grow local manufacturing, strengthen critical infrastructure, and create more good-paying, year-round jobs. I’m glad to see NLEA continuing its work to build a stronger and more resilient economy across Northern Michigan.”
“Growing manufacturing in Northern Michigan is an all-of-the-above strategy and requires us to work together at every level of government, with industry, to create more opportunities for Michiganders, starting with good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin. “This federal investment will help communities attract new businesses, strengthen existing manufacturers, and build a stronger economic future across the region.”
Looking ahead
We see this analysis as more than a report. It’s meant to be a long-term resource for communities across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties as they work to attract, retain and grow manufacturing businesses. The goal is simple: when a manufacturer is ready to grow here, we want our region to be ready too.
Are you a manufacturer thinking about expansion, or a community partner who wants to be part of this work? We’d love to hear from you. Contact our Director of Business Development, Dave Kronberg, to learn more.
