Economic Development

Livio Radio win at Automation Alley showcases region’s innovative side

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October 4, 2012

To Jake Sigal, his company's win at the Automation Alley's 12th Annual Awards Gala didn't speak to his start-up's strengths as much as what's possible in the region. Sigal, founder & CEO of Livio Radio, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Sigal started the Internet radio start-up n 2008 with a $10,000 loan from his parents. He turned that fledgling start-up into a venture-backed company based in Ferndale and one of the leaders in the automotive Internet radio sector. "That's a message for the entire southeast Michigan area that innovation can come from anywhere," Sigal says. "We're proud of that." Among the other winners at the gala were: Automation Alley Member of the Year: Laura Oliveto, senior vice president for business development at Troy-based Basso Design Group Technology Company of the Year: GalaxE.Solutions in downtown Detroit Global Trader of the Year: Dan Kocks, CEO of Grand Blanc-based Global Impact Group Educational Program of the Year: Fifth Core World Language & Culture Program at Oxford Community Schools Source: Jake Sigal, founder & CEO of Livio Radio Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Latest in Economic Development

Atlas Copco goes from 187 to 328 employees within four years

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Economic Development

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October 4, 2012

Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems, the U.S. arm of a Swedish company, hit some significant speed bumps when the recession hit in 2008. Since then, the Auburn Hills-based company has continued to gain traction, going from 187 employees in 2009 to 328 employees and a few interns today. Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems is a supplier of hand-held electric and pneumatic tools, assembly systems and software. It also does work with heavy industrial vehicles. A steady increase in demand for those products have led the company to continue to hire in recent years to the point that it is looking at moving to a bigger facility to accommodate its growth. "We want to continue our steady growth," says Domenic Calagna, marketing & communications specialist for Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems. "We have a really good business plan." Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems was also recognized as the No. 84 firm in Forbes 2012 list of The World's Most Innovative Companies. Source: Domenic Calagna, marketing & communications specialist for Atlas Copco Tools & Assembly Systems Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.

Burn Rubber unveils men’s brand in new Royal Oak store

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Arts and Culture

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October 4, 2012

The owners of Burn Rubber, a unique Royal Oak sneaker boutique known for unique styles that can fetch top dollar, have taken their concept for originality into men's clothing. two/eighteen By Burn Rubber opened nearly two weeks ago at 108 E. Fourth Street. Burn Rubber sells its sneakers down the street at 202 W. Fourth. "Two/eighteen is similar to the philosophy of Burn Rubber where you wouldn't find what we sell anywhere else in Michigan," says co-owner and co-founder Rick Williams. One of the lines being promoted currently is out of Atlanta, Strivers Row. The name two/eighteen is the numerical-alphabetical equivalent of B and R - for Burn Rubber. The new store, a total of 2,500 square feet front and back, is owned and run by Rick Williams and his partners Ro Coit, Fred Walker and Tawny Thieu, who are celebrating "a next tier of the business." Williams says downtown Royal Oak has been the launching point for a solid business and customer base that are growing along with the company. "Royal Oak is where we've made our home," he says. "This is basically a step up from Burn Rubber, something for the more mature customers." Source: Rick Williams, co-owner and co-founder two/eighteen By Burn Rubber Writer: Kim North Shine

Alpha USA adds 10 new engineers, techs in Livonia

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October 4, 2012

Alpha USA got its start in 1957 as a manufacturer of washers. Not the kind of washers that clean things but the kind that help tighten bolts. The Livonia-based company made billions of washers for decades and did well. About a decade ago, Alpha USA saw the shift of its bread-and-butter market to places outside of the U.S. and decided to change with the times. The company has evolved into an engineering firm that handles everything from design to product development to light manufacturing for a wide variety of customers. It holds a dozen patents, which it showcases to potential customers to drum up new businesses creating innovative products. "It's a great business model," says Charles Dardas, president & COO of Alpha USA. That has allowed Alpha USA, a veteran-owned company, to hire 10 people over the last year. Those new jobs are for engineering and technician positions. The company has taken advantage of the deep hiring pool in Metro Detroit, hiring a number of experienced workers that have helped fatten the company's bottom line. "There were a lot of people who had quite a few years of something good to offer," Dardas says. "We saw that as great opportunity." Source: Charles Dardas, president & COO of Alpha USA Writer: Jon Zemke

LolaRyan and its “pure” fashion comes to downtown Plymouth

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Community Development

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October 4, 2012

The owner of Lola Ryan, a new home, accessories and women's clothing boutique in downtown Plymouth, is offering what she calls "pure fashion" to her customers. Rachel Kus, a pharmaceutical rep who's long dreamed of dipping her to in the pond of retail fashion , wants to run a business that sells American products by American designers. Her husband Ryan Kus is part owner. Rachel Kus' mother, the store manager, says it can be challenging to keep the All-American promise when American designers sell some things that are American made and others that are not, for example, but they are working hard to stick to the philosophy, which also includes selling "affordable fashion" and offering personal shoppers and private showings for the "precocious teen to groovy matriarch" Lola Ryan seeks. Lola Ryan opened about a month ago at 550 Forest Avenue. On its racks are designers such as Rachel Pally. Lola Ryan is the only place in Michigan to buy Pally's things. Hudson Jeans, typically found at Nordstrom, are on the racks too. James Pearse is another popular brand found at Lola Ryan. Rachel Kus brought her fashion knowledge and dream of opening a boutique back from the East Coast after living there several years. A friend ran a boutique, and Kus learned how to get the skinny on fashion lines and retail by attending fashion shows in places such as New York. She chose Plymouth, her hometown, to start the business "because we just love it here, and there is a lot of support here," her mother says. Source: Manager, Lola Ryan boutique, Plymouth Writer: Kim North Shine

Pointe Alarm plans storefront in Grosse Pointe’s Village

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Community Development

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October 4, 2012

Pointe Alarm, a five year old home and commercial security business, is venturing into sales of other electronics, including some designed to keep homes secure and operating from a computer or other electronic controller. The company's latest venture, Technical Living, will open in a prominent - and vacant - storefront on Kercheval Avenue in the Village shopping district in Grosse Pointe. City Manager Peter Dame says the plan approved by the city in September has the front of the store, which was formerly an upscale boutique selling women and children's clothing, shoes and accessories, is to renovate the store that sells high end electronics and security systems in one spot. Pointe Alarm's owners described the electronics end of the store a something similar to Sharper Image, Dame says. The front of the store will be dedicated to electronics. The back will be for security and home control systems. Source: Pointe Alarm and Peter Dame, city manager, City of Grosse Pointe Writer: Kim North Shine

Wildlife protection part of GM’s business plan in Waterford

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October 4, 2012

General Motors Corp. has expanded on a project that has little to do with cars and a lot to do with taking care of wildlife and their habitat. Given the companies need for large spaces to operate and build facililies it's inevitable to have clashes with land, water and animals. So in mitigating any damage that might occur GM has added another wildlife habitat protection project to its line up. The project at GM's Drayton Warehouse in Waterford was announced earlier this week is a 35-acre habitat that brings GM's total of protected or enhanced wildlife habitats around the world to 1,000 acres. The need to protect the habitat around Drayton Warehouse came about due to a watershed issue that was causing too much runoff from GM's parking lot and paved surfaces. The runoff was affecting the grounds, the wildlife, nearby Rainbow Lake and a subdivision. In response, GM has turned the parking lot into a pond and changed some of its drainage and water system to retain water. The decision revolved around environmental protection business. Drayton Warehouse is used to store automotive parts and manufacturing equipment. The new grounds will feature: A 5.5 acre pond surrounded by native grasses New grassy hills A retention wall A clean habitat for migratory birds Food, shelter and open space for an increasing deer population And in the future a viewing station for school children to see the wildlife such as frogs, snapping turtles, wood ducks, mallards, Canada geese, great blue herons, sand hill cranes, red tailed hawks, sharp shinned hawks, white tailed deer, coyotes, raccoons, opossums and skunks. Source: Sharon Basel, General Motors Communications and Becky Johnson, Accounty Supervisor, Social Influence Writer: Kim North Shine

Garage Grill & Fuel Bar turns art deco gas station into Northville eatery

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Arts and Culture

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September 27, 2012

Downtown Northville's been waiting months for an old, art deco gas station - with barber shop inside - to be renovated into a restaurant and bar. Garage Brill & Fuel Bar's much-watched spot on Main Street at Wing is around the corner, coming this fall, according the Garage Grill's website. Besides a restaurant and bar looking out on Northville's historic downtown, the Garage Grill will offer a banquet room and 80-seat private room that'll be for rent and comes with the view of a restored 1930 Ford Model A. There will be an outdoor cafe and an easy-in-out to-go counter, and new employees will be hired, bringing the Gulf Oil Gas Station back to life. Ron Rea and his Birmingham architectural design firm, Ron & Roman, came up with the transformation plans for the spot, where construction started in February and has involved the remediation of a brownfield land where the 1940s-era station operated. Grants have been given to support the redevelopment. The menu is not yet public, though a pizza oven was brought in earlier this week. Source: Garage Grill & Fuel Bar Writer: Kim North Shine

More devotees leads to expansion of Max & Ollie’s in downtown Mt. Clemens

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Community Development

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September 27, 2012

The store that Max & Ollie's Vintage Boutique has inhabited over the last six years could be described as quaint or cramped, depending on perspective. But what's clear is that Max & Ollie's new store and its mix of furniture, clothing, tchotchkes is nothing but spacious. Owner Diane Kubik, who sees herself and her store as part of a revival brought on by an eclectic mix of businesses and creative entrepreneurs, moved her boutique from a mere 300-square-foot space on the edge of downtown to a 1,350 square foot store in a central part of downtown, known as a gathering spot for concerts and public events. "We are loving the new place. The expansion turned out to be fabulous for us. There is a lot more foot traffic, not to mention we can offer more treasures and host events. Life in the bigger shop is great," says Kubik, who scouts metro Detroit for standout merchandise. She lives and works in downtown and has built a base of vintage afficianados who buy from her online through her website or Etsy as well as at the store. The move to 65 Macomb Place is being celebrated with a grand opening today and the expansion is leading to the hiring of employees and a partnership with Detroit Fashion Vault, which will stock its accesories at the store from its own space at 56 Macomb Place. According to the Mount Clements Downtown Development Authority, "Max & Ollie’s Vintage Boutique has built a following of regular, loyal customers who rave about the store. Here you will often find a collector of fine antiques perusing fine china and glass next to a young hipster searching for unusual vintage scarves and jewelry. There’s something for everyone in this fun shop, and it’s always a treasure hunt." Source: Diane Kubik, owner, Max & Ollie's Vintage Boutique and Michelle Weiss, Mount Clemens DDA Writer: Kim North Shine

Madison Heights railroad accessory maker expands to meet demand

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September 27, 2012

The staff at S & K Steel Inc. is doubling as the company adds 9,200 square feet of space and installs new equipment to turn out more railroad supplies from its original, and soon to be newest, Madison Heights facilities. With more than $300,000 in investment in equipment and employees growing from seven to 14 the new building will be used for product development and warehouse space and keep up with increased demand for its clamps, bars, fasteners and many other accessories that keep trains rolling the rails. S & K Steel Inc. President Myles Paisley says in a statement that "this new expansion and the recent new hires will enable us to successfully meet the rapidly growing demand for our products and to better serve our customers." The company's growth is another example of manufacturing in Michigan being alive and well. "It is truly amazing to think we have outgrown our Madison Heights building since we started the company in 1996," he says. Source: Myles Paisley, president, S & K Steel Inc. Writer: Kim North Shine