Facts & Figures | History | Points of Interest | Education | Industry | Recreation

The city and surrounding area are one of the largest manufacturing centers in the state (local and internationally-owned companies report approximately 315,000 employees). Manufacturing still has the largest percentage of employees (approximately 23% in the West Michigan CSA), although health care and retail are growing sectors.

Alticor (formerly Amway) has played a major role in the Grand Rapids community. The families of Amway founders Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel have shaped the city with various ventures, including the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place (DeVos Hall and the Grand Center), Van Andel Institute, DeVos Women & Children’s Hospital, and numerous other philanthropic and investment activities.

Spectrum Health is the largest employer in the area, followed by Meijer, Inc. and Steelcase. Spectrum Health has consolidated several hospitals and healthcare facilities to help establish a medical corridor along the northern edge of downtown of Grand Rapids. Saint Mary’s Health Care, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, and Mercy General Health Partners play a major role in keeping West Michigan’s health care at world class levels.

Meijer, Inc. is an ever expanding Midwestern chain of grocery stores based here is Grand Rapids. The Meijer family has had a tremendous impact on the Grand Rapids area, including the establishment of the Frederick Meijer Gardens. Spartan Stores continues to expand its share of the local grocery market and remains among the top ten local employers.

Steelcase is a leader in the office furniture industry, along with other local manufacturers Haworth and Herman Miller.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still a significant amount of automotive manufacturing in Grand Rapids, including Johnson Controls, Magna Donnelley, and General Motors.
Grand Rapids is the home to several unique businesses, including Zondervan Publishing, one of the largest Christian publishing houses in the world. Now a division of Harper Collins Publishers, Zondervan has distributed more than 160 million copies of their NIV Bible worldwide. National Heritage Academies is a national leader in charter schools. Mary Free Bed is a national leader in rehabilitation for brain and spinal cord injuries. Wolverine Worldwide is an international leader in work and casual apparal, and are most widely known for their Hush Puppy brand.