Industry - A Strong Foundation
Popularly viewed as a resort area, the Greater Grand Haven area actually has one of the largest and strongest industrial bases in Western Michigan. Tourism is the area's third most important industry after manufacturing and agriculture.
The Tri-Cities has a diverse and healthy manufacturing sector that has shown steady growth. About one fourth of the manufacturing jobs in Ottawa County are based here. Like many Michigan communities, a good share of the Tri-Cities' industry is rooted in the manufacturing of automotive parts but plastics, office furniture, and metal roll forming are also major contributors.
One of the reasons for the area's healthy economy is that the majority of the area's employing companies are locally owned. This is a key factor in the area's economic growth and strength, adding an all-important element of stability that is not present where many of the major employers have absentee owners that frequently close or move plants.
