A Michigan automobile parts maker is spending $15.1 million to expand in Kentwood.
Swoboda Inc. is taking on a 25,000-square-foot addition that will add 37 new jobs to its current facility in Western Michigan near Grand Rapids.
“Since our start in Grand Rapids back in 1997, we have experienced continued growth and success,” said John Fuhs, vice president of sales and engineering for the company, in a statement. “Our presence here is a critical role in Swoboda's global strategy.”
Swoboda, based in Wiggensbach, Germany, has operations around the world where it employs more than 3,000 people to “develop and manufacture high-precision metal-plastic components for automobile electronics,” according to the company.
The expansion in Michigan will begin this spring and be finished by the fall, and hiring of new employees is expected to take place starting in January if construction is completed on schedule.
The additional space will allow the company to enhance both manufacturing and engineering capabilities.
The company is receiving a $113,000 grant to help with employee recruitment, hiring and training from a workforce development organization called West Michigan Works!
Another $200,000 grant comes from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which promotes economic development. And Kentwood is considering a property tax abatement.
The Right Place Inc., a regional economic development organization in Western Michigan, announced news of the expansion and grant funding.
“Swoboda is a well-established automotive manufacturing supplier in Western Michigan, however the company continues to experience increased pressures from competition overseas and in Mexico,” The Right Place said in a statement.
Swoboda's website lists the Grand Rapids' site at 6,500 square meters, which is about 70,000 square feet.
