Falin Hakeem

Automation Alley, a Southeast Michigan-based technology and manufacturing business association today released the findings of their 2017 Technology Industry Outlook during a presentation at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

In a bid to help developers across the state finance large-scale projects on brownfield sites, the MI Thrive legislative package was introduced Tuesday by State Senator Ken Horn, R- Frankenmuth. The effort marks the second time the measure was introduced after the legislature failed to act on the first proposal last December.

Citizens Bank, which operates several branch offices in Michigan, today announced that Citizens Commercial Banking is partnering with Opportunity Network, a business matchmaking platform, to offer Citizens’ clients access to a business-to-business networking platform of 13,500 CEOs and $35 billion in deal flow.

Southfield-based Lear Corp., a global supplier of automotive seating and electrical distribution systems, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Grupo Antolin’s automotive seating business.

Armor Express in Central Lake, a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor systems, today announced it has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with Germany’s Busch Protective to market its latest ballistic helmets to law enforcement officers across the Americas (North, Central, South).

Grand Rapids-based product design and manufacturing company Comfort Research today launched a new furniture platform that makes use of expanded polystyrene molded frames to provide an alternative to traditional stick construction.

Consignment resale store, Boro, will open along the Gratiot Avenue commercial district near the intersection of Russell Street in May. Boro will consign higher-end independent, designer, and vintage clothing of all styles.

The Association for Advancing Automation in Ann Arbor, a leading global advocate for the benefits of automating, has announced a submission call for startup companies in robotics, machine vision, and motion control to participate in the Automate Launch Pad Competition.

Ann Arbor-based global corporate risk management services provider Pinkerton has announced the strategic acquisition of Stockholm-based Seccredo AB, a risk and security consulting services provider.

According to a new survey, 74 percent percent of construction firms in Michigan are planning to expand their hiring in 2017. The survey was conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate.