[11th Earl of Mar]

I would like to know what the negociations were between the city, the union and the company.

Also, Lifesavers moved to Canada, if I am not mistaken.

Steelcase did not close. They still employ thousands.

Herman Miller did not close. They still employ thousands.

Please post some evidence that either Steelcase or Herman Miller has moved any of their West Michigan operations to Mexico.

[GoredInMich]

Not sure of the details of the negotiations, but had heard on local talk radio that the city/county had offered large tax abatements and to build a new plant, etc.

LifeSavers did move to Canada, not Mexico. Not 2001, but 2002-2003. HAd to do with cheaper sugar prices. Wanted to buy sugar from Havanna.

Steelcase is NOT moving to Mexico. They do indeed still employ thousands, although some of their production lines are now in Alabama.

Herman Miller, OTOH, is consolidating their mfg operations in Zeeland, which is thier hometown. Still employ LOTS of people, about 5000 or so.

[RockChucker]

True.... the Lifesavers is in Canada.

And SCS and HMI are 1/2 their former selves and mostly just fired people, though they have a facilities in Mexico they have yet to really make the move.

SCS has hinted at moving off shore and keeping their HQ in Grand Rapids.

I was more appalled at the manufacturing downturn in West Michigan. I don't have answers.

[rintense]

Herman Miller has consolidated the majority of their operations to West Michigan.