Technology & Innovation

Coverage of innovative research, development and deployment of technology and technological advance, including hardware, software and software as service.

Inclusive attitude promotes solutions for Landscape Forms

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Economic Development

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April 15, 2010

Landscape Forms, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial outdoor furniture and accessories, with headquarters in Kalamazoo, has been named one of the 101 the Best and Brightest Companies in West Michigan by the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA).This year's winners excel at practicing innovative strategies and represent best practices in human resources.Only companies with the highest quality human resources initiatives receive the honor.Landscape Forms President Bill Main says, "The economic turndown we have all experienced has strengthened our dedication to our successful business model created by involving our people in determining the future of the company. We share the news -- good and bad -- with the whole team, so creativity is always top-of-mind, and solutions tend to come quicker. "This award, added to that which we received from the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 15 Small Workplaces in the United States, is a clear indication that we are continuing to follow the right track as we move forward in always placing our employees first."An independent research firm judges the companies on key measures in various categories, such as communication, community Initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee education and development and several others. The winning 101 companies also vie for 10 elite awards, one granted for each category. A "Best of the Best" award will be granted to an overall winner who has excelled in all categories. The 2010 winners of West Michigan's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For will gather May 6 in Hudsonville to receive their awards and meet other recipients. They all will get involved to a further extent by learning about other winners' ways of doing things. Landscape Forms is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting and accessories. Since its founding in 1969 the company has worked with municipalities, transit centers and corporate, college and health care campuses. Its clients include Boeing, Cisco Systems, Disney, Sprint, American Airlines, Herman Miller and Nike.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Bill Main, President of Landscape Forms

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Partnership puts Whirlpool appliances into thousands of dwellings

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corp. has tapped into a whole new market for its appliances through an arrangement with one of the largest owner and operators of apartment properties in the United States. Equity Residential, also the largest publicly traded owner of apartment units, has signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement with Whirlpool, crediting the company's dedication to quality, outstanding products and service and its commitment to environmentally-conscious technology and practices."Equity Residential owns or has investments in 495 properties totaling 137,007 apartment units in 23 states and the District of Columbia," says Tom Halford, general manager of contract sales and marketing at Whirlpool Corporation. "As their exclusive appliance partner for new construction, rehab projects and appliance replacement, this will mean additional business for Whirlpool and we are honored to play this role." "Whirlpool Corporation brings many great things to the table as an appliance manufacturer," said Michael Manelis, senior vice president of property operations at Equity Residential. "They help support our commitment to creating places people are proud to call home."The agreement not only brings more Whirlpool appliances to consumers, it also uses a system called SmartWay Transport — a collaborative program between the Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry — to deliver them with cleaner-operating, fuel-efficient motor vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. About 3,000 are employed in Benton Harbor.Writer: Stacie Carlson, Freelance WriterSource: Whitney Dean, Whirlpool Corp.

NuWave sees its future in electronic health records

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Economic Development

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April 8, 2010

Electronic health records are propelling a growth curve that's gone steadily upward for NuWave Technology Partners.The Michigan-based company with offices in Kalamazoo, Richland, Grand Rapids and Lansing celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. For the Richland office the anniversary will be celebrated in new and bigger quarters across the street.Chad Paalman, NuWave vice president of sales, says electronic health records drive growth in all of the service areas the company provides. The new networks, telephone systems and equipment that are required to make the switch to electronic health records work pulls in all the divisions of the company he has built with his father, Rick, and brother, Kyle.Paalman expects electronic health records to continue to be a big driver for the company as the federal government moves toward making it a requirement that all physcians use them and away from simply encouraging doctors to make the switch.Paalman attributes the companies continuous growth in a time of economic downturn to a number of factors. He says he and his brother learned frugality from their father and have maintained an attitude of fiscal responsibility as the company has grown. Service is another another factor. "Everyone says we give great service," Paalman says. "We strive to provide white-glove treatment." He also is a big believer in the motto: "Surround yourself with people who know more than you do." That has led to good hiring moves and a staff that the company is proud of.Being recognized and recommended by the Small Business Association for its work has been a positive selling point for the company and one that it has been able to build upon. Right from the start, the company also has made the kind of strategic moves that have helped it grow, as well. Paalman says that the first day the company opened its doors it had three employees, him, his brother and his father. The next day they acquired another company, their 600 customers and their 10 employees. NuWave has continued to acquire companies, their customers and staffs as their original owners have left the field, Paalman says.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Chad Paalman, NuWave Technology Partners

Kalamazoo firm claims spot on 50 Companies to Watch list

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Technology & Innovation

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April 1, 2010

Maestro eLearning, a provider of online training programs for companies across the country, has been named one of Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch in 2010, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports. The March 30 story says the formal award, sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and given by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, will be handed out April 29 in Lansing. Excerpt: "We are so pleased to receive this recognition. The celebration of a thriving high-tech education company promotes what we believe the future workforce of Michigan could be," Maestro President Jennifer Randall said in a press release from the company. Read more about the award in the rest of story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Innovations bring customers to thelamco

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Economic Development

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April 1, 2010

In Benton Harbor, thelamco, inc, is more than just another Southwest Michigan business. They continuously try out new innovative ideas to bring down customers' costs – and that innovation has given them a competitive advantage over other businesses that offer similar products. "In a nutshell, we are an industrial, custom coater or laminator," says Roxanne Behrman, sales and marketing manager. "We convert products for packaging, pressure sensitive label, and paper industries. Our product development and innovation efforts have allowed us to be nimble and try a variety of materials that our competitors shy away from." Because at thelamco, inc they embrace their creative juices, they can actually process materials that their competition cannot – and they do it with 20 employees. Recent growth, however, has created an opportunity for the business to add another sales staffer. "Our focus is on the behind the scenes products," adds Behrman. "You've seen our sales tag labels on shelf edges in area stores, and you may have eaten a microwave dinner that has been laminated with our machines." In addition to its innovation, thelamco, inc recently achieved national and world wide recognition for its commitment to sustainability. The Sustainable Foresty Initiative program allows corporations the opportunity to track their carbon footprints in terms of their packaging products. That alone could result in a 10 percent sales growth for the company according to conservative estimates by thelamco. "Many of our competitors do not have this certification and that gives us a competitive edge," says Behrman. "Ultimately, we can help our packagers develop a more sustainable product, while ensuring the material comes from well managed forests. The growth potential is very real. In fact, we secured a customer as a result of this certification." Writer: Stacie CarlsonSource: Roxanne Behrman, thelamco, inc.

EPS Security gets bigger digs in Kalamazoo, adds jobs

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Economic Development

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March 25, 2010

A Michigan company that specializes in high-tech corporate and home security expects to double its local 20-person staff over the next five years, and Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park is where it plans to grow. Engineered Protection Systems Inc. — known as EPS Security — has moved into a nearly 4,200-square-foot space in the BTR Park's Initech Building, 4787 Campus Drive. EPS Security, a family-owned business based in Grand Rapids, has six offices across Michigan. It's Kalamazoo office, formerly on Westnedge Avenue, was established 10 years ago. "Our new office at Western Michigan University's research park will better suit our needs and growth in the next decade and beyond," says Kevin Carlson, president of EPS. The office is involved in design and research, and serves as a beta test site for equipment suppliers. It also provides sales, installation and service to local clients. "Cellular and Internet technology is opening up incredible areas of growth in this field," says David Hood, EPS director of sales and marketing. As use of land line phones drops and cell phone use grows, opportunities for security applications are rapidly expanding, Hood says. "Small cameras installed in a business, for instance, can now be accessed from anywhere in the world," he adds. Hood and Jeffrey Bos, EPS's Kalamazoo branch manager, have met with WMU's engineering dean Anthony Vizzini to discuss internship opportunities for students, future hiring needs and the possibility of extended research and testing partnerships with the college. EPS provides burglary, fire, access control, video surveillance and other monitoring and security services for its customers. Among the company's major Southwest Michigan clients are Meijer Stores and Kalamazoo Public Schools. Founded in 1955, the company today ranks among the top 30 security providers in the United States. It serves more than 16,000 commercial and residential clients in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: David Hood, EPS Security

Pulling out all the stops to woo Google

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Economic Development

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March 25, 2010

The full press is on to convince Google to make Kalamazoo one of its test sites for its ultra high-speed broadband network. As the Friday March 26 deadline approaches to apply to be one of several trial locations around the country, city officials, local boosters and residents are holding meetings, recording video pitches to Google and spreading the word in a number of ways to anyone who will listen, asking them to join in in nominating Kalamazoo. Support has been building in the Kalamazoo area ever since the project was announced.In Kalamazoo Wednesday, March 24, there was a town hall meeting to talk about why Google Fiber is important. Residents were asked to share their thoughts on video in hopes to convince Google decision-makers that Kalamazoo is the right place for the pilot project, which would provide a fiber-optic network to at least 50,000 homes and businesses at 200 times the current speed, at a price Google says is comparable to existing services. The local grassroots effort, Kalamazoo Google Collaborative, is bragging about Kalamazoo's past and present innovations, its prime location between Detroit and Chicago and its dedication to education as witnessed by the Kalamazoo Promise, a college scholarship program for all grads of Kalamazoo Public Schools, and four institutions of higher learning — Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College."Many people may not know that Kalamazoo has quietly taken risks and leads the nation in many ways throughout its history," says Kalamazoogle.com backer and Newmind Group Owner Daniel Jefferies. "From the science and innovations of Upjohn and Stryker, to its downtown walking mall, to the role in creating one of the first public high schools, and most recently the creation of the Kalamazoo Promise."Over the weekend, supporters passed out 30,000 fliers about the project in hopes of encouraging nominations for Kalamazoo. Official support for the effort has come from the cities of Kalamazoo, Portage and at least 13 of the county's 15 townships.Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Daniel Jefferies, Newmind Group

Communication technology expands to parts of Van Buren County

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Economic Development

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March 25, 2010

Bloomingdale Communications Inc. will under take an $8.2 million expansion of voice, data and video service to most of Paw Paw Township and parts of Almena, Antwerp and Waverly townships. The service also will extend into Mattawan. The expansion is one of 22 projects nationwide to be awarded grant money from Rural Utilities Services. The services to be made available include telephone, IP video with digital video recording and high-definition video with Internet speeds up to 20MB. Faster speeds will be available in the future. The company provides digital cable, DIRECTV and local and long distance telephone services. Emegency services and hospitals can use added bandwidth that will open up when a second fiber path from Paw Paw to the main office in Bloomingdale is constructed. It provides a second path for service in case the fiber backbone is damaged or destroyed. Construction work is to begin this summer. Laying the backbone of the system is expected to take one year and the entire project, connecting homes and businesses to the backbone, is expected to take two years, BCI's Sales and Marketing Supervisor Shari Wykrent says. Bloomingdale Communications Inc. serves Van Buren County and parts of Allegan County. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Shari Wykrent, Bloomindale Communications Inc.

German metal finishing company expands in Battle Creek

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Technology & Innovation

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March 25, 2010

Battle Creek will benefit from a German company's decision to consolidate its operations, reports the Battle Creek Enquirer. Rosler Metal Finishing, the North American division of the Rosler Group, is planning to add 110,000 square feet to its Battle Creek site at 311 Armstrong Road. Operations in Adrian and Marshall will be cosolidated at the Battle Creek site. Excerpt: The family-owned company manufactures more than 95 percent of its ceramic media, plastic media and compounds at its 150,000-square-foot Battle Creek facility. It employs 120 people in North America and 1,300 workers worldwide. "After carefully considering all the pros and cons, the advantages of a centralized facility with synergies in Production, Sales, Inside Sales, Marketing, and Purchasing, as well as higher tax incentives offered by the City of Battle Creek, provided overwhelming support for our decision," said Harold Wagenknecht, President of Rosler Metal Finishing USA. Rosler products are used in everything from aircraft to golf ball manufacturing, said Karl Dehn, Battle Creek Unlimited president and chief executive officer. The story goes on to say All Rosler employees in Adrian and the six or so workers at the Marshall Township facility will be offered employment in Battle Creek, Read the whole story to find out more about efforts to convince the business to expand in Battle Creek.

Baseball great says Stryker’s latest hip replacement technology scores

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Economic Development

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March 25, 2010

Johnny Bench loves his new hip from Stryker. The baseball hall-of-famer is a paid spokesperson for the Kalamazoo company, and who better to talk about the new implant than a guy who suffered hip pain due to the punishment his body took during many years as catcher for the Cincinnati Reds.Bench reports that one month after his replacement he already nearly has full range of motion back, an accomplishment he attributes to the implant and his physical therapists.The implant Bench is promoting is the latest from Stryker Orthopaedics. It's the next-generation technology for hip replacement surgery and is designed to minimize the risks associated with total hip replacement surgery. It's called the ADM X3 Mobile Bearing Acetabular System.Innovative designs in the newly launched hip implant are built in to give it more longevity than other designs. Its unique large polyethylene insert gives it a larger range of motion and also addresses concerns of metal-on-metal inserts that have caused unexpected medical consequences, such as pseudo-tumors. It also is designed to reduce the risk of dislocation.The new design increases range of motion by using two points of movement rather than a single point."We believe that mobile bearing hips will become the new standard of care in total hip replacements and are committed to offering advanced technologies that benefit both surgeons and patients while adding value in ways that have the potential to reduce costs to the healthcare system," says Bill Huffnagle, Vice President and General Manager of Hip Reconstruction at Stryker Orthopaedics.ADM X3 is the third major hip product launch by Stryker in the past year. Stryker Orthopaedics is a division of the Stryker Corporation. Stryker Orthopaedics offers an extensive orthopaedic product portfolio including hip, knee and upper extremity reconstructive devices, bone cement, trauma implants, bone substitutes and spine systems. Writer: Kathy Jennings Source: Bill Huffnagle, Stryker Orthopaedics