It strikes me that Michigan could be in a terrific position to become the next major distribution and logistics-type hub in the Midwest.
—There is a looming shortage of hourly direct labor around the country prepared to work at the $12-15/hr warehouse functions.
—Seems Michigan would have an abundant direct labor force and access to large/low-cost warehousing-type infrastructure (empty buildings).
—Michigan has decent proximity to Midwest addresses and can easily pump orders into the UPS/Fedex networks for next day around the world.
—Also, Michigan used to be the base for many material handling companies feeding automotive sector that could now turn to fulfillment.
[Editor’s note: To help launch Xconomy Detroit, we’ve queried our network of Xconomists and other innovation leaders around the country for their list of the most important things that entrepreneurs and innovators in Michigan can do to reinvigorate their regional economy.]
