Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo possesses one of the most diversified manufacturing environments in the State of Michigan. More than 500 manufacturing firms are located within the region representing virtually every aspect of the manufacturing field. Prominent industries include pharmaceuticals, plastics, medical equipment, fabricated metals, industrial robots, aircraft controls, chemicals and bedding plants.
The region is home to two universities, a private college and an outstanding community college. Aside from Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, three other major universities with strong science and research programs (The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Notre Date) are within two hours of the region. This advantage has attracted businesses in the area in search of research products.
Kalamazoo is located in the heart of the great lakes region, halfway between Detroit and Chicago. The area offers a unique blend of natural and urban settings, and with an average commute time of 15 minutes, everything Kalamazoo has to offer is only a short distance away. With its location, Kalamazoo enjoys all the benefits of a big city, yet maintains thelifestyle and work ethic of a small community. The county consists of four cities, five villages and 15 townships in a total area of 562 square miles. The Kalamazoo Public Library won the national Library of the Year honors for 2002.