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5 firms’ design hub seeks to spark creativity

   
GRAND RAPIDS — What happens when five powerhouse corporations from different industries get together in the same sandbox and work side by side to create new products?

   They are finding out at GRID70, an innovative design hub in downtown Grand Rapids, where Meijer, Amway, Steelcase, Wolverine Worldwide and Pennant Health Alliance have sent product development teams to work on athletic shoes, health and beauty aids, grocery products, office furniture and more.

   GRID70, which stands for Grand Rapids Innovation and Design and its address at 70 Ionia St., is an idea three years in the making.

   It’s taking the call to reinvent things to a higher level as CEOs at five corporations have taken a leap of faith and sent their individual teams to the four-story, 6,000-squarefoot building.

   The idea is creativity breeds more creativity, and being in one spot where walls are down might spawn great ideas.

   “We hope this concept and hub can serve as a model for other cities in Michigan,” said Hank Meijer, 57, co-chairman and CEO of the privately held retailer. He’s also a member of the influential Business Leaders For Michigan organization of CEOs.

   GRID70 was born amid growing concern by city leaders over brain drain of young talent and a desire to reinvigorate Grand Rapids. The building, which previously housed a restaurant, is owned and managed by Rockford Development. The companies invested $5 million in retooling it.

   The GRID70 corporate teams — who work on their own projects — come together to talk during “Roast and Toast” events held every other Tuesday where the conversation centers on things like figuring out Gen Y.

   Wolverine Worldwide’s team is working on apparel and brands like Hush Puppies. Steelcase, which provided all the furniture, is analyzing commercial furniture needs of the future. And Am-way, a $9-billion firm, is also focusing on global markets.

   “Our group is working on projects of the future,” said Seth Starner, manager of business innovations at Am-way.

   Meijer opened a new test kitchen where Ray Sierengowski, Meijer’s corporate research chef, works.

   “In the past, our ‘innovation center’ was Chef Ray’s kitchen at home,” Meijer said with a laugh, adding, “That wasn’t the answer.”

   Meijer, which does not report sales itself, rang up more than $14 billion in sales last year in five states, according to analysts. The company brings more than 700 products to market each year.

   Another benefit: young folks.

   “I wanted to come back and get involved the minute I heard about it,” said Amanda Sievers, 27, program manager at GRID70 who moved back to Grand Rapids from southern California.

   It’s a magnet others hope will lure more.

   “This is creating excitement that will help keep young people here,” said Fred Meijer, Hank’s 91-year-old father, who visited GRID70 with his wife, Lena, the day I visited.

   Lots of people are curious.

   “Whether you’re rethinking shoe design, or office environment, or food, there are similarities,” Hank Meijer said. “Together, we think there might be magic in there.”

   Sierengowski has found it brimming with creativity and added, “Heck, I may be responsible for helping people at Wolverine make changes on the next tennis shoe you buy!”

   Which begs a question: Is there concern about company secrets leaking out?

   “No. there is a legal piece and we all sign a confidentiality agreement,” said Amway’s Starner. “I expect to see more popping up in Michigan and other places.”

   • CONTACT CAROL CAIN: 313-222-6732 OR CLCAIN@CBS.COM  . CAIN HOSTS “MICHIGAN MATTERS” AT 11 A.M. SUNDAYS ON WWJ-TV CBS DETROIT.

PAUL PYTLOWAN/WWJ-TV (CBS Detroit)

   Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of Meijer, at the newly opened five-company design hub in downtown Grand Rapids.

CAROL CAIN WRITES OF CENTER WHERE TEAMS WORK ON NEW PRODUCTS