Auto suppliers riding high with economic recovery

Grand Rapids, Mich. - There were smiling faces all around as executives from automotive suppliers gathered for the 16th West Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium on Thursday, March 5.

With auto sales approaching pre-recession levels, business is good.

"The return on investment is really good right now," said Bob Pekrul, a member of the Auto Supplier Leadership Team with Plante Moran, sponsor of the symposium at Grand Valley State University's DeVos campus.

For private companies that want to sell, it means there are eager buyers with access to cash, Pekrul said. For companies that want to expand, it means there are bankers eager to offer credit, he said.