They're both creating opportunity - one by expanding, one by salvaging what's left and selling to another automotive OEM.
Here are our picks for Thursday's Rise & Fall:
The Depot Town anchor establishment soon will grow, following owner Linda French’s acquisition of a 5,000-square-foot adjacent building in the Ypsilanti commercial district. The effort is expected to generate up to 30 new jobs, as French creates additional tavern space and rooms for catering and special events. It’s a welcome sign for the block, which retains its ability to attract newer entrepreneurs and destination shops, but also lets Sidetrack - and its co-anchor, Aubree’s - finds new opportunities even after decades in business.
A123 once represented the future of the nation’s energy market and transportation. Now, the bankruptcy of the alternative energy superstar - which generated accolades and accepted a $249 million federal grant - signals more doubts about the commercialization of alternative energy and its place in the U.S. open market. As the company restructures and Johnson Controls acquires its assets for a fraction of their value, there’s also local implication: it operated facilities in Ann Arbor, Livonia and Romulus, employing nearly 1,000 people.