Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Ford Teams with Spanish Fashion Company on ‘Motoring’ Garment Line
Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn will be the face of a new collection from Spanish clothing brand Cold Culture. “Cold Culture x Ford” will be offering garments that capture “the essence of speed and freedom on the road.”
Cold Culture — created by entrepreneurs Martina Merry and Andrés Varela — was inspired by everything from racetrack curves to wheel design for pieces including the Ford Trench Jacket and the Ford High Neck Zip that uses a special metallic fabric.
The 18-piece collection is available to order now here.
“This collaboration is more than just a union of brands; it is a celebration of a shared passion for excellence and innovation,” says Jesús Alonso, president and CEO, Ford Iberia. “We are delighted to partner with Cold Culture to bring to the public a unique collection that pays homage to the exciting world of motoring and contemporary street style.”
DoE Awards $1.1M to Ann Arbor Company to Advance Electric Aircraft
The U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has awarded $1.1 million to Propel Aero in Ann Arbor to develop its High Energy Redox Engine
Funded through the Pioneering Railroad, Oceanic, and Plane Electrification with 1K energy storage systems (PROPEL-1K) program, the funding will advance the development of high-energy storage solution to electrify domestic aircraft and help Michigan reach its goal to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
“Investments in electric aircraft can reduce greenhouse emissions, improve performance in the air travel sector and drive growth in high-paying research, design, and manufacturing jobs.” says Zachary Kolodin, Michigan’s chief infrastructure officer and director of the state’s infrastructure office. “This funding…will help us create a cleaner transportation ecosystem that will allow Michiganders and visitors to safely use our state’s airports and enjoy our natural resources for generations.”
Propel Aero was one of 12 projects across the country selected to receive a combined $15 million to advance next-generation, high-energy storage solutions to help accelerate the electrification of the aviation, railroad, and maritime transportation sectors. Projects will develop energy storage systems with “1K” technologies capable of achieving or exceeding 1,000 Watt-hour per kilogram (Wh/kg) and 1,000 Watt-hour per liter (Wh/L), which is greater than four times energy density improvement compared to current technologies.
“It’s a true honor to be selected by ARPA-E, and we are eager to use this award to push the frontiers of battery performance to enable electric aviation” said Propel Aero co-founders Yet-Ming Chiang and Venkat Viswanathan in a joint statement.
The selections represent the first phase of an expected two-phase program. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in 18 months following contract completion. If successful, PROPEL-1K technologies will electrify regional flights traveling as far as 1,000 miles with up to 100 people, all North American railroads, and all vessels operating exclusively in U.S. territorial waters.
Detroit Pistons Sign Umude, Boeheim, Evboumwan to Contracts
The Detroit Pistons announced Friday the team signed guard/forward Stanley Umude to a contract and signed guard Buddy Boeheim and forward Tosan Evbuomwan to two-way contracts. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
Umude is a 6-foot-6, 210-pound player who has appeared in 17 games for the Pistons this season, averaging 5.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting 55 percent from 3-point range. He is a two-year veteran of the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s G League affiliate.
Boeheim also is 6-foot-6 and checks in at 205 pounds. He enters his second two-way contract with Detroit after appearing in 10 games for the Pistons in 2022-23. The former Syracuse Orange has averaged 14.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on .418 percent from 3-point range in 36 games for the Motor City Cruise this season.
Evbuomwan is 6-foot-8, weighs 219 pounds and has appeared in five career NBA games with Detroit and Memphis. The Newcastle, England, native signed with the Motor City Cruise this season after going undrafted out of Princeton and averaged 15.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.9 blocks in 34.5 minutes in 29 games for the Cruise.
He signed a 10-day contract with Memphis on Jan. 30 and recorded a career-high 12 rebounds on Feb. 4 at Boston while on a four-game stint with the Grizzlies. Evbuomwan signed a 10-day contract with Detroit on Feb. 12 and appeared in one game, at Phoenix (2/14), where he recorded 5 points for the Pistons.
New Federal Funds Will Help Consumers Energy Continue Growth in EV Charging
Twenty-five new electric vehicle charging locations coming to Michigan will be in Consumers Energy’s communities, according to the Jackson-based utility, due to a federal grant of close to $23 million.
Over 40 fast-charging locations from Traverse City to Flint to Jackson were picked this month to receive. Consumers Energy will power 25 of the 40 Michigan fast-charging locations, adding to the 54 fast-charging and over 230 other public locations that it already has helped install.
“Consumers Energy is powering Michigan’s electric vehicle transformation by offering solutions that make EV driving convenient and affordable,” says Lauren Snyder, vice president of customer experience at Consumers Energy’s “Our support for public charging is improving the EV driving experience, giving people confidence they can power up quickly and affordably anytime they hit the road in Michigan.”
For more information, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/EV.
Ultimation Industries in Roseville Adds New Solutions to Online Store
Ultimation Industries in Roseville has expanded its quick-ship online store to include dozens of vision, laser marking, and electrical solutions for industrial applications.
This new range of products includes scanners, light curtains, sensors, and more that can improve quality control for manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, and others.
Ultimation is a direct-to-consumer conveyor manufacturer, specializing in solving productivity challenges with fast-to-deploy solutions for a broad range of end-markets.
“Since joining the Motion & Control Enterprises family of companies in 2023, we’re able to offer customers new automation and material handling solutions to improve productivity, quality and throughput,” says Kali Wahrman, general manager of E-commerce for Ultimation. “Our on-line store makes it easy for customers to find these new products and get them shipped quickly to their locations.”
Among the new products available are:
- Photoelectric sensors.
- Inductive proximity sensors.
- Laser marking.
- Cable, fiber optics, and accessories.
The new product line includes trusted industry brands such as Datalogic, Matrix, DataSensing, Tri-Tronics, and more.
For more information, visit ultimationinc.com.
Grand Rapids’ SurfacePrep Acquired by Nautic Partners in Rhode Island
Rhode Island-based Nautic Partners has completed the acquisition of SurfacePrep in Grand Rapids, in partnership with management.
SurfacePrep is a national and international distributor of surface enhancement solutions. The company distributes loose and coated/bonded abrasives, specialty ceramic materials, powder coating, and fluid delivery consumables, as well as related spare parts and equipment.
“This partnership with Nautic marks an exciting new chapter for SurfacePrep, with a focus on accelerating performance while continuing to provide our customers the excellent service, solutions, and products they expect,” says Mike Currie, CEO of SurfacePrep. “We are eager to move forward with Nautic’s support leveraging their deep industrial distribution experience and continuing to enhance our strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and our SurfacePrep team.”
Great Lake Investments Completes Beechwood Place Development in Spring Lake
Great Lake Investments, a west Michigan real estate development company, has completed the 32-condo Beechwood Place development in Spring Lake, south of Muskegon.
The completion of the Beechwood Place development addresses Spring Lake’s housing needs and showcased the potential for developers to work collaboratively with communities. Great Lake Investments’ approach, it says, serves as a model for balancing development goals with community interests, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.
“Our community offers 2,150-square-foot, five-bedroom homes with three full baths in the mid $300,000s,” says Mike Kalis, CEO of Great Lake Investments. “Additionally, we are able to assist with unique land contract options that others can’t provide.”
Farmington’s International Hearing Society to Mark World Hearing Day March 1
The International Hearing Society, based in Farmington, will celebrate World Hearing Day on March 1 to raise awareness of hearing health care and address the stigma that often is attached to hearing loss and hearing aids.
IHS is hosting an open house from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at its new headquarters (33900 Eight Mile Road, Suite 101) to spread awareness about hearing care and the profession of hearing aid specialist.
Consumers are welcome to visit and learn more about the importance of discovering their hearing baseline and how hearing care can improve their lives. IHS also welcomes hearing health professionals to learn more about the many products and services IHS produces to help professionals help more people achieve better hearing.
“We also will celebrate WHD with an online campaign that shares what IHS members are doing to break the stigma of hearing aids,” says Alissa Parady, executive director of HIS. “This WHD initiative aligns closely with IHS’ consumer awareness campaign that launched one year ago.”
Salvation Army Radiothon Raises $1.6M
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit 37th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon, raised more than $1.6 million to combat hunger and homelessness.
The 27-hour Feb. 22-23 radio fundraiser aired on 760 WJR with its on-air personalities Rene Vitale, Mike Parsons, Guy Gordon, Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, Kevin Dietz, Tom Jordan, Marie Osborne, Paul W. Smith, Mitch Albom, Dan Aronson, and Bed & Bread Club founder and Detroit radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan broadcasting from The Salvation Army Great Lakes Divisional Headquarters in Southfield. Purtan, who helped launch the first-ever Radiothon 37 years ago, returned for a surprise second interview to close out the fundraiser.
“For the past 14 years, it has been an honor to partner and support The Salvation Army’s mission of Doing the Most Good,” says Steve Finateri, market manager at 760 WJR. “The generous donations from our listeners will serve as a beacon of hope to thousands of metro Detroiters in need, providing a safe place to sleep for the homeless and nutritious meals for the hungry.”
Throughout the day, appearances from special guests encouraged the community to donate and help those who are hungry and homeless in metro Detroit. Michigan natives Tim Allen and Lomas Brown also joined business and civic leaders to show their support of The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. Notable contributions included:
- The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit Advisory Board – $78,565
- The Artichoke Garlic Foundation – $75,000
- Moran Automotive – $37,000
- The Dick & Gail Purtan Family Foundation – $37,000
- Edsel B. Ford II – $35,000
- Tim Allen – $25,000
- Fifth Third Bank – $20,000
- Genthe Automotive – $15,000
- Pat Milliken Ford – $10,000
The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread Club Radiothon has raised more than $44.8 million in 37 years. For more information, visit SAmetrodetroit.org.
