Autocam Medical’s General Manager Named GRBJ’s Newsmaker of the Year in Manufacturing

John Kennedy, IV, General Manager of Autocam Medical, was named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s (GRBJ’s) Newsmaker of the Year in the Manufacturing category and was honored during the publication’s Newsmaker of the Year awards breakfast held on January 29th at Frederick Meijer Gardens.

Kennedy was one of three finalists, along with Murray Kessler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perrigo, and Kevin Lobo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stryker, in the Manufacturing category.

John Kennedy, IV has played a key role in Autocam Medical’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce. He has been a driving force behind their participation in the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP), a program focused on encouraging and facilitating the development of students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing. He has also helped propel the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab) located in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) downtown Grand Rapids campus.

“It is an honor to be ranked among business leaders that have helped spur the development of West Michigan,” noted Kennedy. “The growth of our area and our industry is also one of my key objectives. Our involvement in the AMP program and The AMP Lab will help raise the profile of advanced manufacturing in downtown Grand Rapids and draw more people into skilled trade careers. We also offer an apprentice program that provides students with the opportunity to become Certified CNC Machinists and earn their Journeyman’s card.”

Altogether, the GRBJ recognized 16 different individuals as the Newsmakers of the Year.