Editorial: Battle Creek, a Rust Belt icon, battles back as American manufacturing jobs decline | Entertainment

For generations, the Kellogg food company and Battle Creek, Michigan, went together like corn flakes and milk. Then came 2023.

After decades as an independent public company, Kellogg split in two, later selling its storied cereal business to Italy’s Ferrero Group and its valuable snack business to Mars Inc., which has extensive operations in Chicago.

When Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker bragged in March about hundreds of jobs being transferred to the Windy City in the wake of the deals, that sounded like a tough blow in the offing for Michigan’s “Cereal City.”

As it turned out, not so much.

Many of those jobs being consolidated in Chicago come from Mars’ operations elsewhere. And while Kellogg was indeed busted up and sold off, it remains one of the biggest employers in its old hometown, maintaining a global research and development facility and a local headquarters at One Kellogg Square.

The Kellogg Foundation still supports education, housing and revitalization in Battle Creek. A local student can still attend Ann J. Kellogg Elementary, Kellogg Prep High School and Kellogg Community College. The Kellogg Arena, Kellogg Community Credit Union and Kellogg Bird Sanctuary just outside town are still notable landmarks.

Like many other small industrial cities across the Midwest, Battle Creek is diversifying beyond its roots. A community built on blue-collar union jobs and paternalistic corporate leadership has had to evolve as those one-time pillars of prosperity weakened.

Battle Creek today is much different than it was, but it is not circling the drain. Its resilience in the face of change shows that, under pressure, the Rust Belt’s factory towns can carve out a future based on their long-time strengths.

American manufacturing shed an estimated 100,000 jobs last year amid tariff chaos and persistent inflation. Sustained downward pressure could herald an even worse performance this year.

Battle Creek would be in big trouble had it depended only on Kellogg as its economic engine. Instead, over the years, the city’s economic development brain trust got creative.

Back in the 1980s, Battle Creek courted Japanese companies, overcoming skepticism and occasional hostility from some locals. Today, Denso Manufacturing is considered the area’s No. 1 employer. Other Japanese companies took note as Denso grew and prospered in this unlikely spot midway between Chicago and Detroit.

The Fort Custer Industrial Park, launched in the 1970s at a time when such ventures were hit-or-miss propositions, now hosts dozens of companies. Some of the big ones are Japanese manufacturers turning out auto parts, Denso included.

Like so much of Battle Creek, the industrial park was something else before its current incarnation. The sprawling Fort Custer helped train generations of soldiers throughout the 20th century, and part of it still serves the Michigan National Guard.

The Milton is another example of a white elephant that became a unicorn. At 19 stories, the former Heritage Tower is one of the city’s tallest buildings. Built in 1931 for a long-gone bank, it fell into disrepair until the Michigan Economic Development Corp. undertook a high-stakes renovation, supported by local patrons.

The result is an office, retail and residential property anchoring downtown, its art deco mezzanine beautifully restored. On a recent visit, the leasing office reported that just two of its 85 apartments were available.

Battle Creek’s people needed to reinvent themselves, too. Consider Michael “Mac” McCullough, former editor of the Battle Creek Enquirer, a once-robust local newspaper that operates today with a stretched-thin staff. McCullough is now a librarian and archivist at the public library downtown, and a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge.

McCullough is clear-eyed about the ongoing challenges — the empty buildings, silent churches and all-too-conspicuous poverty that followed the loss of good-paying union jobs. Battle Creek long benefited from talented executives serving on civic boards, organizing charity drives and coaching youth sports. They’re scarce these days, and much of Battle Creek’s workforce commutes to the city while living outside it. “There was more of a mindset that their jobs were to be stewards of the community,” he recalled.

As he spoke, not far from the library’s Japanese-language section, McCullough was setting up a local-history archive with 7,000 historical books and other items. “Tales of Battle Creek” tells of the connection with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, established in the city more than a century ago and instrumental in promoting healthier corn flakes over the pork-heavy diet of the era. “Small Town: Giant Corporation” describes the origins of Denso’s ongoing, transformative investment in Battle Creek.

McCullough misses the city that moved to the rhythm of a three-shift workday when he arrived to join the newspaper in 1998. But he says he’s not going anywhere. “Battle Creek is a town you can fight for, care for,” he said. “I love it here.”

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Central States CEO Jim Sliker to transition from role, Kurt Weaver named successor

Jim Sliker, CEO of Tontitown-based manufacturing company Central States Inc., will transition to company chairman, and Kurt Weaver will become its CEO, effective June 1. Central States said Tuesday (April 14) that the appointment comes after a nationwide search.

Sliker has served as CEO since 2013, joining the company after a 20-year career in the automotive industry. Weaver has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive and flooring sectors. In his most recent role as president of Mohawk Industries’ Resilient Flooring division, he grew the business to more than $1 billion in annual revenue by focusing on product development, market expansion and operational efficiency.

The 100% employee-owned company has more than 1,300 employees and 13 manufacturing plants across the United States.

Sliker will work with Weaver throughout 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Weaver, who will work at the company’s headquarters, will serve as CEO of the enterprise business, including Central States Manufacturing, Central States Building Works, and Elevate Structures. More than two years ago, Sliker was elected chairman of the board for Central States, and Weaver’s appointment as CEO will allow Sliker to transition into his position leading the board of directors.

“Following a comprehensive and rigorous search process, the board is confident that Kurt is the right leader to guide Central States into its next phase of growth,” said Christopher Harrison, lead director on the Central States board. “His track record of scaling businesses, operational depth, and alignment with our values make him a strong fit for our employee-owned culture.”

In his previous roles at Toyoda Gosei, a multibillion-dollar subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp., Weaver served in leadership positions in sales, engineering and administration before being named president of Toyoda’s truck business. Under his leadership, the business grew revenue and earnings, and Weaver focused on quality and innovation. He has also served in sales and engineering roles for Ruecker Engineering and American Sunroof.

According to a news release, Weaver is known for his ability to “rally his teams around a shared vision and consistently seeking opportunities to fix and enhance processes. He has earned the reputation in business of leading with humility, teamwork and genuine care for people, while fostering a high-energy environment that actively pursues continuous improvement.”

Weaver earned a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University.

“I am excited to join the team at Central States — recognizing the alignment of the company culture with my team-based leadership style made the decision to join the company easy,” Weaver said. “That decision was further supported by meeting a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. I’m also looking forward to moving to the area and enjoying all the outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer. I would like to thank Jim and the Central States board of directors for making the rigorous recruitment process valuable for everyone.”

Under Sliker’s leadership as CEO, Central States entered a period of unprecedented growth, including the opening of new manufacturing plants in South Dakota, Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, South Carolina and Utah. Central States also expanded its Pre-Engineered Metal Building offering with the opening of a new metal frame plant in Springdale, and added construction capabilities and the patented Alpha Framing System through the acquisition of longtime customer Storage Structures, which was later rebranded to Elevate Structures.

As chairman, Sliker will continue to provide leadership to the seven-member board to ensure effective governance, strategic oversight, and accountability of the executive leadership, in collaboration with the third-party trustee, who represents the interests of the company’s employees. Sliker will continue to reside in Northwest Arkansas.

“Serving as CEO has been a blessing and the highlight of my career,” Sliker said. “I am proud of what the collective Central States team has built together over the years. As I move more fully into this next chapter, I have full confidence in Kurt as our new CEO. He brings a deep background and a strong alignment with our purpose, values and culture. I look forward to supporting him and the leadership team as we continue to innovate to better serve our customers.”

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These U.S. companies think Trump’s tariffs are great. Here’s why

It’s hard to imagine that any CEO in the United States likes the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump more than Marc Bitzer does.

Bitzer is the chief executive of Whirlpool Corp., the only major appliance company that makes the bulk of its products in the U.S.

At one of the company’s factories — a giant plant in Clyde, Ohio, that has the capacity to produce 22,000 washing machines per day — Bitzer announced Whirlpool’s plans for a new $60-million US facility in nearby Perrysburg, which would create 150 jobs.

He told the audience that Whirlpool used to feel it did not have a fair chance against its chiefly Asia-based competitors because of their ability to manufacture using cheap, subsidized steel and other components.

“It felt occasionally, being the last U.S.-based appliance manufacturer, like being in a boxing fight with three other guys in the ring, and you have one arm tied behind your back,” he said.

Then along came the Trump administration and its sweeping global tariff regime, which Bitzer says has given the country an opportunity to start a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing. It’s a sentiment you rarely hear from the many Americans struggling with rising costs triggered in part by Trump’s trade policies.

Marc Bitzer is the chief executive of Whirlpool Corp., the only major home appliance company that manufacturers the bulk of its products in the U.S. (Mike Crawley/CBC)

“Tariffs do create a level playing field, and that’s a big deal,” Bitzer said, a line that triggered applause from the audience, a mix of plant workers and elected officials.

The White House is on a push to showcase the success stories of U.S. manufacturers who are benefitting from tariffs. The push saw U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, a member of Trump’s cabinet, setting out last week on a two-day tour of factories in Ohio and Michigan, including the Whirlpool plant.

‘Tariffs on all that crap from China’

CBC News followed Greer on his itinerary, which also included stops at a company near Detroit that builds drones and at the biggest U.S. manufacturer of solar energy systems, near Toledo, Ohio.

“Under other presidents, the job of the U.S. trade representative was usually to do trade deals to try to import as much crap as possible from China,” Greer told the audience at Whirlpool.

“Under President Trump, the job is to put tariffs on all that crap from China,” he said.

Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative in the Trump administration, attends an event in Warren, Mich., on Thursday as part of a push by the White House to showcase success stories of U.S. manufacturers who are benefitting from tariffs. (Mike Crawley/CBC)

After Whirlpool’s CEO praised the Trump administration for its tariff policies, Greer praised the company for its long-standing commitment to making its washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and more in the U.S.

It revealed something of a common theme to Greer’s tour: the companies he visited were already doing “Made in America” manufacturing before Trump returned to the White House in 2025 and launched his tariff-powered global trade war.

Ultimate goal is more U.S. manufacturing

At each stop on the tour, Greer laid out his pitch for the administration’s tariff regime. And in contrast to Trump, who has imposed or threatened tariffs for at times wildly divergent reasons, Greer puts forward a consistent rationale.

“The ultimate goal is we want to make sure that we have more manufacturing in the United States,” Greer told reporters at one of the Michigan stops, the plant where automaker Stellantis assembles the Jeep Wagoneer.

“The more you make here, the more the tariffs benefit you,” he said later that day at the Auburn Hills, Mich., location of Firefly Drone Systems and Swarm Defense Technologies.

An employee of Firefly Drone Systems works at the company’s factory in Auburn Hills, Mich. (Mike Crawley/CBC)

Like Whirlpool, the two drone companies were making their products in the U.S. before Trump’s tariffs were imposed.

“It’s been very important to us from the beginning that we manufacture close to home,” Kyle Dorosz, CEO of Swarm and Firefly, said in an interview.

Companies want ‘level playing field’

So while tariffs did not drive the companies’ initial moves to make their products in the U.S., Trump’s trade war means the decision is paying off.

“It’s actually created a competitive advantage for us compared to some of our other competitors, especially on the commercial side, who were manufacturing overseas and their entire system was now subject to tariffs,” Dorosz said.

There’s a similar take on tariffs at First Solar, which manufactures large-scale solar power systems at U.S. factories like the one Greer visited near Toledo.

With its rivals either based in China or using largely Chinese-made components, First Solar committed seven years ago to sourcing its materials domestically and making its products in U.S. factories, says CEO Mark Widmar.

Greer, left, speaks with Mark Widmar, CEO of First Solar, the largest solar power manufacturer that makes its products in the U.S. (Mike Crawley/CBC)

“China has chosen to compete in a way that it would almost make it unmanageable for any company, regardless of your industry,” Widmar told reporters as he stood beside Greer after their factory tour.

“I don’t need to be protected. I just need a level playing field,” he said. “Give me a level playing field, we’ll out-innovate and we’ll thrive.”

Manufacturing jobs declined since Trump inauguration

While Greer’s tour highlighted companies that have been making their products in the U.S. for years, it’s more difficult for the administration to showcase manufacturers that have set up shop in the U.S. or added jobs specifically as a result of the tariffs.

Since Trump’s return to the White House, U.S. manufacturing job numbers have continued to decline. According to Federal Reserve Bank statistics, there were 12,673,000 manufacturing jobs at Trump’s inauguration in January of last year, a figure that has since dipped to 12,591,000.

One win for the tariff regime that Greer pointed to: the announcement in October by Stellantis that it would shift production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton, Ont., to a previously shuttered plant in Belvidere, Ill.

Greer says the administration isn’t singling out Canada with its tariff policy, but has made a strategic decision to bring as much auto manufacturing to the U.S. as possible.

Dozens of Whirlpool employees at the washing machine plant in Clyde, Ohio, were in the audience for the company’s announcement of investing $60 million US to build a new manufacturing plant producing appliance components in nearby Perrysburg. (Mike Crawley/CBC)

“It’s not really about Canada per se. Our action on autos is global in nature,” Greer told CBC News.

Asked if the administration sees Canada as a partner or competitor, Greer refused to bite.

“I don’t think it’s really binary, right? There are some things we import from Canada that we need,” he said.

It’s a statement that contrasts notably with Trump’s oft-repeated yet factually incorrect line that the U.S. doesn’t need anything from Canada.

Greer will be a key negotiator in the upcoming talks on the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the trade deal that currently exempts the vast bulk of Canada’s export from tariffs.

Each country has until July 1 to announce whether it intends to renew the agreement, and Greer told CBC News in February that tariffs will be a part of any Trump administration trade deal with Canada.

Back at the Whirlpool plant, he told the audience that he’s in the Oval Office on a near-daily basis.

“Almost every day, President Trump says, ‘Do you think the tariffs should be higher, Jamieson?'” Greer said. His response: “We’re working on it, sir. We’re working on it.”

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stow Group’s new U.S. manufacturing plant and storage portfolio 

This week, stow Group (Booth B13128) is showcasing a range of racking and semi-automated solutions and highlighting its unique position as a full-service warehouse optimization provider. The company is announcing the opening of a new state-of-the-art racking production plant in Georgia, marking a major milestone in stow’s North American expansion strategy. The new site opened this month.

“stow Group acts as a premium partner for all shelving, racking, semi-automated and fully automated warehouses with Movu Robotics,” said CEO Jos De Vuyst, CEO. “We’re continuously expanding, now also with a footprint in the United States in Adairsville, where we’re building a new 240,000 square foot racking production site.”   

A focal point of stow’s Modex exhibit is the stow Atlas 4.0, which it’s now offering to the U.S. market. The company is exhibiting alongside Movu Robotics (a brand under the stow Group umbrella), to demonstrate the synergy between high-quality static storage and fully automated robotics. 

Modern’s complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

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PMGC unit advances EL-32 U.S. manufacturing

NorthStrive Biosciences (NASDAQ: ELAB) announced on April 13, 2026 the U.S. transfer of its EL-32 Working Cell Bank (WCB) to a third-party fermentation facility and the start of a manufacturing optimization program to raise yield and enable scalable, cost-efficient production.

EL-32 is a dual-action engineered probiotic targeting myostatin and activin-A pathways to help preserve lean muscle during GLP-1 therapy. Collaboration with Modulant Biosciences covers process development for animal-health products while NorthStrive retains human therapeutic rights, aiming to support IND-enabling activities and future GMP manufacturing.

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Positive

• EL-32 WCB transferred to a U.S. fermentation facility
• Manufacturing optimization program initiated to improve production yield
• Dual-track strategy preserves human rights while enabling animal-health commercialization

Negative

• No IND or GMP timeline disclosed in the announcement
• Reliance on a third-party facility for upstream/downstream process development

Equity facility size
$20,000,000

Equity purchase facility with Streeterville Capital

Registered common stock
$4,551,804

Common stock registered in 424B5 related to ELOC

Net loss
$7,747,813

Year ended Dec 31, 2025 (10-K)

Accumulated deficit
$21,017,440

As of Dec 31, 2025 (10-K)

Net working capital
$2,928,959

As of Dec 31, 2025 (10-K)

Shares outstanding
1,159,112

Common shares outstanding as of Mar 30, 2026

Partnership commitments
$4,900,000

Top-line revenue commitments over five years from prior distribution deals

Average partnership move
7.62%

Average 24h move on prior partnership-tagged news

$4.79
Last Close

Volume
Volume 5,141,325 is about 76% below recent average 21,086,615, suggesting muted pre-news trading.

low

Technical
Price 4.79 is well below the 200-day MA at 97.04, reflecting a prolonged downtrend.

ELAB showed a -8.94% move while close peers were mixed: INDP +14.05%, QLGN +7.72%, UBX -29.14%, REVB -4.88%, SPRC +1.13%. Momentum scanner also flagged DRMA up and INDP down, reinforcing stock-specific dynamics rather than a unified biotech sector move.

Date
Event
Sentiment
Move
Catalyst

Apr 29

Partnership overview

Positive

+7.6%

Distribution agreements securing up to $4.9M in multi-year revenue commitments.

Pattern Detected

Prior partnership news for ELAB was followed by a positive move, whereas this partnership-related milestone appears against a sharply depressed share price near 52-week lows.

Recent Company History

Recent history shows PMGC/ELAB pursuing a multi-sector strategy, including biotech, precision manufacturing, and packaging. A key prior partnership event on Apr 29, 2024 highlighted global distribution agreements securing up to $4.9M in potential revenue commitments and coincided with a +7.62% move. The current EL-32 collaboration and manufacturing optimization extends the partnership theme into dual human and animal health applications, building on the company’s earlier focus on commercial alliances to unlock platform value.

+7.6%

Average Historical Move
partnership

Past partnership news for ELAB led to an average +7.62% move. The new EL-32 collaboration similarly targets multi-year value creation but in biotech and animal health rather than aesthetics.

Partnership strategy has progressed from revenue-sharing distribution deals in aesthetics to platform collaborations spanning human therapeutics and non-human animal health applications.

This announcement advances EL-32 toward clinical readiness by moving its Working Cell Bank to a U.S. precision fermentation facility and launching manufacturing optimization for dual human and animal health uses. It also extends ELAB’s history of partnership-driven growth, echoing earlier deals tied to up to $4.9M in commitments. Against a backdrop of net losses and going concern risk, investors may watch for concrete IND-enabling milestones and funding developments tied to this program.

myostatin

medical

“EL-32 is a dual-action engineered probiotic therapeutic designed to express both myostatin and activin-A antigens”

Myostatin is a naturally occurring protein produced by muscle that acts like a brake, limiting how big and strong muscles can grow. Because medicines that block myostatin can allow muscles to increase in size and strength, investors follow related drug programs closely for their potential to treat muscle-wasting diseases and age-related weakness; trial results, safety and regulatory approval prospects can materially affect a company’s value.

activin-a

medical

“dual-action engineered probiotic therapeutic designed to express both myostatin and activin-A antigens”

Activin-A is a naturally occurring protein that helps control cell growth, inflammation and tissue repair, acting like a traffic signal that tells cells when to divide, specialize or calm down. It matters to investors because abnormal levels or activity can be a marker for diseases or a target for drugs and tests, so findings about activin-A can influence the prospects of therapies, diagnostics, clinical trial outcomes and regulatory decisions.

antigens

medical

“engineered probiotic therapeutic designed to express both myostatin and activin-A antigens”

Antigens are molecules—often proteins—on the surface of viruses, bacteria, or abnormal cells that the immune system recognizes as foreign, like a mugshot or ID badge that flags an intruder. For investors, antigens matter because they are the targets for vaccines, diagnostic tests and many biologic drugs; which antigen is involved affects how well a product works, how regulators evaluate it and how large the market opportunity may be.

glp-1 receptor agonist

medical

“addressing metabolic dysfunction in patients undergoing GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss therapy”

A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a medicine that mimics a natural gut hormone to trigger insulin release, slow stomach emptying, and curb appetite — like using a key to turn on a lock that controls blood sugar and hunger signals. For investors, these drugs matter because they treat common conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can drive large prescription and sales growth, reshape healthcare costs, and heavily affect drug pipelines, competition and company valuations.

working cell bank

technical

“successful transfer of the EL-32 Working Cell Bank (“WCB”) to a U.S.-based third-party fermentation facility”

A working cell bank is a prepared, stored supply of living cells used repeatedly to make a biologic product during routine manufacturing, acting like a reliable “starter” batch for production. It matters to investors because the quality and stability of that starter determine consistency, regulatory approval, production speed and cost—similar to using the same proven recipe and starter yeast to ensure each batch of bread turns out the same and is safe to sell.

precision fermentation

technical

“retained the third-party precision fermentation facility to lead upstream and downstream process development”

Precision fermentation uses edited microbes (like yeast or bacteria) as tiny, programmable factories to produce a single, specific ingredient—such as a protein, enzyme or flavor—rather than making whole foods. Think of it like coding a vending machine to dispense one exact product on demand. For investors, it matters because it can cut production costs, speed up scale-up, reduce reliance on traditional agriculture or chemical synthesis, and create new, high-margin products that can reshape markets and regulatory pathways.

investigational new drug

regulatory

“support investigational new drug (“IND”)-enabling activities and future good manufacturing practices”

An investigational new drug is a medication that is still being tested in clinical trials to determine if it is safe and effective for treating a specific condition. For investors, it represents a potential breakthrough that could lead to a new treatment and significant financial gains if successful, but also carries risks since it has not yet been approved for widespread use.

good manufacturing practices

regulatory

“support investigational new drug (“IND”)-enabling activities and future good manufacturing practices (“GMP”) manufacturing”

Good manufacturing practices are a set of required processes, controls and documentation that ensure products are made consistently, safely and to quality standards — like following a precise recipe in a clean kitchen so every batch turns out the same. For investors, compliance matters because it affects a maker’s ability to get regulatory approval, avoid costly recalls or production stoppages, and maintain customer and market trust, all of which influence revenue and risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

04/13/2026 – 07:30 AM

Next-generation engineered probiotic targeting myostatin and Activin-A pathways advances toward clinical readiness across human and animal health applications

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NorthStrive Biosciences Inc. (“NorthStrive Biosciences”), a wholly owned subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (“PMGC” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ELAB), today announced a key development milestone for its asset, EL-32: the successful transfer of the EL-32 Working Cell Bank (“WCB”) to a U.S.-based third-party fermentation facility. This transfer initiates a manufacturing optimization program designed to increase production yield and establish a cost-efficient, scalable process in support of future clinical and commercial development.

EL-32 is a dual-action engineered probiotic therapeutic designed to express both myostatin and activin-A antigens, two key biological regulators of muscle development and metabolic function. By targeting both the myostatin and activin-A pathways through an oral, gut-mediated delivery mechanism, EL-32 offers a differentiated approach to preserving lean muscle mass and addressing metabolic dysfunction in patients undergoing GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss therapy.

Modulant Biosciences LLC (“Modulant Biosciences”), licensee for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of products derived from EL-32 for non-human animal health applications under the previously announced License Agreement with NorthStrive Biosciences, has retained the third-party precision fermentation facility to lead upstream and downstream process development. This involves applying data-driven optimization strategies to improve yield, consistency, and manufacturability. NorthStrive Biosciences will work with Modulant Biosciences to leverage these efforts, with the goal of establishing a robust process foundation to support investigational new drug (“IND”)-enabling activities and future good manufacturing practices (“GMP”) manufacturing.

The parties’ collaboration reflects a dual-track development strategy: NorthStrive Biosciences retains all rights to human therapeutic applications of EL-32, while Modulant Biosciences holds an exclusive license to develop and commercialize EL-32-derived products for non-human animal health applications. This parallel approach is intended to maximize the commercial potential of the EL-32 platform across both markets while leveraging shared manufacturing and process development insights.

About NorthStrive Biosciences Inc.

NorthStrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ELAB) company, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. Its assets include EL-22 and EL-32 which are engineered probiotic therapeutics targeting myostatin and activin-A pathways for muscle preservation in patients on GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss therapies. For more information, please visit www.northstrivebio.com.

About PMGC Holdings Inc.

PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value. For more information, please visit https://www.pmgcholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “potential,” “would” and “future” or similar expressions such as “look forward” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in PMGC’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2026, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

IR Contact: IR@pmgcholdings.com

FAQ

What did NorthStrive (ELAB) announce on April 13, 2026 about EL-32 manufacturing?

They transferred the EL-32 Working Cell Bank to a U.S. fermentation facility and began optimization. According to the company, this starts upstream and downstream process development to increase yield, consistency, and manufacturability for IND-enabling and future GMP efforts.

How does EL-32 target muscle preservation for patients on GLP-1 therapies (ELAB)?

EL-32 is an oral engineered probiotic expressing myostatin and activin-A antigens to preserve lean muscle. According to the company, the gut-mediated dual‑pathway approach aims to address muscle loss and metabolic dysfunction during GLP-1 receptor agonist weight-loss treatment.

What role does Modulant Biosciences play in EL-32 development announced by ELAB?

Modulant retained the third-party facility to lead fermentation process development for animal-health products. According to the company, Modulant holds an exclusive license for non-human applications while sharing process insights with NorthStrive for human programs.

Does the April 13, 2026 update from NorthStrive (ELAB) set an IND or clinical timeline for EL-32?

No specific IND or clinical timeline was provided in the announcement. According to the company, the current work focuses on establishing manufacturing and process foundations to support future IND-enabling activities and GMP manufacturing.

What manufacturing improvements is NorthStrive targeting for EL-32 (ELAB)?

The program targets increased production yield, consistency, and cost efficiency through data-driven optimization. According to the company, the third-party facility will apply upstream and downstream development to establish a scalable, manufacturable process for clinical and commercial use.

How does the dual-track development strategy affect EL-32 rights and commercialization (ELAB)?

NorthStrive retains human therapeutic rights while Modulant has exclusive animal-health rights for EL-32-derived products. According to the company, the parallel approach is intended to maximize commercial potential across human and non-human markets and share manufacturing learnings.

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Strong Technical Services (STS) Announces Acquisition of CinemaNext U.S., Expanding Nationwide Service and Manufacturing Footprint

OMAHA, NE / IOLA, KS, April 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strong Technical Services (STS), a leading provider of cinema and commercial technical solutions, today announced the successful acquisition of CinemaNext U.S. (formerly Sonic Equipment Company) and its manufacturing division, Kneisley Manufacturing.

This strategic acquisition unites two of the industry’s most respected service providers, creating a premier nationwide network for cinema technology, engineering, and field services. By integrating CinemaNext’s robust remote support and the historic manufacturing excellence of Kneisley with the expansive field service and installation expertise of STS, the combined entity is positioned to provide an unmatched end-to-end solution for exhibitors and commercial venues across North America.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the CinemaNext U.S., Sonic, and Kneisley teams into the STS family,” said Blake Titman, President and CEO of Strong Technical Services. “This acquisition is about bringing together the best technical minds in the business to create a more resilient and responsive service platform. Our customers will benefit from a deeper pool of expertise, faster response times, and a continued commitment to the high-touch service they’ve come to expect from both organizations.”

The acquisition includes CinemaNext’s Iola-based operations and Sonic Equipment’s extensive service reach. The addition of Kneisley Manufacturing further bolsters STS’s ability to provide specialized hardware and parts, ensuring a more integrated supply chain for its partners.

“Joining forces with STS is the right next step for our employees and our customers in the United States,” said Jean Mizrahi, President of CinemaNext. “The combined resources of STS and CinemaNext U.S. create a technical powerhouse capable of supporting the evolving needs of the cinema industry as technology continues to advance.”

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Operating under the Strong Technical Services brand, the company will maintain its focus on innovation, technical reliability, and customer-first service. Integration of the companies is currently underway, with a primary focus on ensuring a seamless experience for existing clients and vendors.

About Strong Technical Services (STS)

Strong Technical Services (STS) is the leading provider of end-to-end technical solutions for the cinema exhibition, themed entertainment, and commercial AV industries. STS leverages a nationwide network of elite field engineers, a state-of-the-art remote support center, and specialized manufacturing capabilities to ensure peak operational performance for its partners. From large-scale technology deployments to 24/7 mission-critical support, STS is dedicated to transforming the guest experience through technical excellence and innovation.

For more information, visit strong-tech.com.

About CinemaNext U.S. / Sonic Equipment

CinemaNext U.S., incorporating the legacy of Sonic Equipment Company and Kneisley Manufacturing, is a premier provider of cinema booth solutions, remote technical support, and specialty hardware manufacturing.

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Media Contact:

Sales

[email protected]

800-722-4445

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Taiwanese Battery Manufacturer Selects Liberal for New U.S. Facility

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced Apogee Power, a Taiwan-based energy technology and advanced battery manufacturer, has selected Liberal as the location for its new U.S. manufacturing and assembly facility. The company will invest almost $16 million over the next three to five years and create 80 new jobs.

“In Kansas, we have a strong advanced battery ecosystem, talented workforce and central location that companies from around the world are eagerly looking to access,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Apogee’s decision to expand their work into Liberal highlights the strength of our rural communities and Kansas’ ability to compete on a global scale.”

The facility, located in Liberal’s industrial corridor, will support the assembly, testing and distribution of Apogee’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems and related energy storage technologies for commercial, industrial and grid-scale applications across the United States. The company anticipates hiring 30 employees in the initial phase — with additional positions coming online as production ramps up.

Apogee is currently preparing the Liberal facility for production and expects to begin operations this summer. The facility represents Apogee’s first U.S. manufacturing presence and reflects their long-term commitment to serving customers from a centralized and cost-competitive location.

Apogee Power CEO Wen Lin, Apogee Energy CEO George Shen and other stakeholders were in Topeka recently to discuss the company’s investment and their desire to recruit additional suppliers from Taiwan to the Liberal area and other possible locations in Kansas. This followed a trade mission to Taiwan in September 2025, when Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and other state and local officials visited Apogee Power’s headquarters in Taipei to meet their team and finalize the project details.

“Establishing a U.S. manufacturing footprint is a critical step in Apogee’s global growth strategy,” Apogee Power CEO Wen Lin said. “Liberal offers the infrastructure, workforce and community partnership we were looking for — along with a strong understanding of energy-intensive manufacturing. This location allows us to serve U.S. customers more efficiently while building a durable, long-term presence in the American market.”

Local leaders emphasized the collaborative approach that helped secure the project.

“We’re excited to welcome Apogee to Liberal,” Seward County Development Corporation Executive Director Eli Svaty said. “This investment builds on our region’s strengths in energy, logistics and advanced manufacturing. It also signals that global technology companies see value in smaller, execution-focused communities that can move quickly and deliver.”

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Volvo & Polestar: Moving EV Manufacturing to the US

Navigating challenging market conditions

The restructuring follows Polestar’s December 2025 announcement of a US$300m debt-to-equity conversion agreement with Geely Sweden Holdings, which maintains a controlling stake in Volvo Cars.

In March 2026, Polestar secured a US$300m investment from purchasers including Crédit Agricole CIB, Vida Finance S.A., Innovator Limited and Proximastar Holdings Company Limited as part of efforts to strengthen its financial position.

Manufacturing operations face significant headwinds as 100% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs impact the US market, with multiple companies adjusting or abandoning EV production plans.

“As market conditions remain challenging, we continue to take steps to make our organisation and operations more efficient,” Michael said when announcing Polestar’s operational results for the third quarter of 2025.

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Whirlpool Expands U.S. Manufacturing with New Ohio Plant

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Whirlpool’s latest investment in U.S. manufacturing showcases the company’s commitment to producing premium, high-quality appliances domestically.Clyde Today

Whirlpool Corporation announced it will invest more than $60 million to establish a new manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, creating between 100 and 150 jobs over the next two years. The new plant will be Whirlpool’s 11th U.S. factory and its sixth in Ohio, supporting nearby operations by producing appliance components and subassemblies for washers and dryers.

Why it matters

This expansion reflects Whirlpool’s continued confidence in American manufacturing and its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative products in the U.S. despite recent Wall Street concerns. It also underscores the company’s broader U.S. manufacturing strategy, with about 80% of major appliances sold domestically made in the United States.

The details

Whirlpool is repurposing an existing building in Perrysburg, formerly used for solar panel production, into a modern, technology-driven facility. Once complete, the new plant will blend automation with skilled labor to support nearby Ohio operations. This investment follows a larger $300 million expansion announced last fall to increase laundry production capacity in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, which is expected to create 400 to 600 additional jobs.

• Whirlpool announced the new $60 million investment on April 11, 2026.
• The new Perrysburg plant is expected to be operational and create 100-150 jobs over the next two years.

The players

Whirlpool Corporation

A major American home appliance manufacturer headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, with a strong domestic manufacturing footprint, particularly in Ohio.

Marc Bitzer

The chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, who stated that this investment reflects the company’s confidence in American workers and its determination to produce high-quality, innovative products in the U.S.

Kristin Day

Whirlpool’s vice president of U.S. manufacturing, who said the new facility will blend automation with skilled labor to build the future of domestic production for the industry.

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What they’re saying

“When there is a level playing field, our American workers can out-compete anyone in the world. This investment is proof of our confidence in that workforce and our determination to win by producing high-quality, innovative products in the U.S.”

— Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO, Whirlpool Corporation

“We are not just building appliances—we are building the future of domestic production for our industry. Our people remain the foundation of our success.”

— Kristin Day, Vice President of U.S. Manufacturing, Whirlpool Corporation

What’s next

Whirlpool’s new Perrysburg, Ohio plant is expected to move forward pending final approval of state and regional incentives, with a formal ribbon-cutting anticipated later this year.

The takeaway

This expansion demonstrates Whirlpool’s ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing, with about 80% of its major appliances sold domestically produced in the United States. The new Ohio plant is the latest in a series of recent investments that underscore the company’s confidence in American workers and its determination to maintain a strong domestic production footprint.

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Walmart’s AI Push Links Gemini App Experience With U.S. Manufacturing Shift

• Walmart (NasdaqGS:WMT) is expanding its partnership with Google to integrate Gemini AI into the Walmart mobile app, aiming to support instant checkout and more personalized shopping.
• The company is also backing Unspun’s AI driven textile production initiative in the U.S., targeting more domestic, tech enabled apparel manufacturing.
• These moves come alongside Walmart’s broader shift toward platform style profit streams and more advanced, sustainable supply chains.

For investors watching Walmart (NasdaqGS:WMT), these AI and manufacturing moves sit on top of a share price of $126.787 and a 1 year return of 37.8%. Returns over 3 and 5 years are very large, with shares up 165.2% and 188.9% respectively. This underlines how closely the market is tracking Walmart’s repositioning beyond traditional retail margins.

The Gemini AI rollout and Unspun partnership point to Walmart tying digital engagement more tightly to how products are sourced and produced. For you as a shareholder or potential investor, the key question is how these projects influence customer loyalty, cost structure and the mix of higher margin, platform like revenue over time.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Walmart by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Walmart.

NasdaqGS:WMT Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Apr 2026

📰 Beyond the headline: 1 risk and 2 things going right for Walmart that every investor should see.

Quick Assessment

• ⚖️ Price vs Analyst Target: At US$126.79, Walmart trades about 7% below the US$136.02 analyst target, which sits inside a wide US$62 to US$150 range.
• ⚖️ Simply Wall St Valuation: The shares are described as trading close to estimated fair value, so this AI and manufacturing news comes against a roughly balanced valuation backdrop.
• ✅ Recent Momentum: A 30 day return of 2.67% suggests the trend has been slightly positive into this announcement.

There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold Walmart: head to Simply Wall St’s
company report for the latest analysis of Walmart’s Fair Value.

Key Considerations

• 📊 Gemini AI in the app and AI led U.S. textile production both speak to Walmart tying digital retail, data and supply chain control more tightly together.
• 📊 Watch how engagement metrics, unit economics in fulfillment and any disclosure around AI driven productivity show up alongside the current 46.2x P/E.
• ⚠️ One flagged risk is significant insider selling over the past 3 months, which some investors may weigh against these long term tech and manufacturing projects.

Dig Deeper

For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the
complete Walmart analysis. Alternatively, you can check out the
community page for Walmart to see how other investors believe this latest news will impact the company’s narrative.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Valuation is complex, but we’re here to simplify it.

Discover if Walmart might be undervalued or overvalued with our detailed analysis, featuring fair value estimates, potential risks, dividends, insider trades, and its financial condition.

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Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

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