Holland —Synergy emerges when competitive industry leaders go to work just miles from each other.

Looking for proof?

Just look around West Michigan, says Randy Thelen, president of the Lakeshore Advantage economic development group.

“In West Michigan, you’ve got Haworth, Herman Miller and Steelcase that wake up every morning to compete against each other,” he said. There are other case studies, he added: Sara Lee and Boar’s Head Provisions; Magna Mirrors and Gentex.

And now there are two more.

The advanced battery industry’s two top companies also are the ones that have invested heavily in Holland, according to a recent study. The Colo.-based Pike Research LLC recently ranked both LG Chem and Johnson Controls as the first and second, respectively, firms in the industry in terms of strategy and execution.

“It’s exciting to see that (synergy) in a new industry,” Thelen said.

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