A study put together by manufacturing leaders and academics shows that the Mid-Michigan region in particular is ripe for bio-manufacturing opportunities.
“Many regions, such as greater Lansing, may be uniquely positioned with an historic, competitive advantage in both manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which can lead to increased wealth and job creation in the bio-based economy,” says Rex LaMore, project director of Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Community and Economic Development.
Mid-Michigan has a good manufacturing base that can produce bio-based products, and diverse crops that are necessary for harvesting bio-economy feedstock, according to the Tri-County Bio-Manufacturing Feasibility Study.
“Wehave the ability to grow those crops, and places in the rest of theworld don’t have the same ability to grow those crops,” LaMore says.
Even though Mid-Michigan has the infrastructure and growing capacity to support bio-based products, the market hasn’t yet determined which products are going to lead the industry. But, whatever product takes the lead, Mid-Michigan will likely be able to produce it.
“One of the advantages we have in the Midwest is our crop diversity,” LaMore says. “It may not be corn, or sugar beats or soy, but we have the diversity to adjust.”
If Mid-Michigan plays its cards right, bio-manufacturing could create a new economy for the area.
“Consumer demand is growing, consumer desire is growing and this sector seems to be a potential growth area,” LaMore says.
The final published results of the study will be released within weeks.
Source: Rex LaMore, MSU
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.