After considering sites in Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina and Indiana, California-based California Closets will establish a new manufacturing facility in West Michigan. The custom storage manufacturer and retailer is expected to create at least 61 new jobs and invest over $5.7 million in the new facility in Cascade Township. The company is expanding furniture manufacturing operations to the Eastern U.S. to supply its distribution locations there.
“West Michigan is attractive to us due to many factors,” said Eric Wolff, President – Fulfillment, California Closets. “The location offers proximity to our customers and supply base, but more importantly a strong talent base in manufacturing and design. The West Michigan area has been a leader in forward thinking and furniture-related industries, which fits our direction and future.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $335,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition, West Michigan Works! has offered workforce development support totaling $48,000 to support the company’s recruiting and on-the-job training investments. The Right Place has offered support to the project in the form of staff time and resources.
California Closets continues to experience significant growth across North America. In 2015, the company opened a manufacturing facility in Phoenix, AZ to support demand for its products in the Western U.S. The new facility planned in Cascade Township will supply the eastern portions of the country.
“Attracting a major consumer brand like California Closets is a big win for West Michigan,” said Thad Rieder, Senior Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc., and project lead. “We competed against several alternative sites in other states, including Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, and Indiana.”
Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Michigan
Considering Michigan for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Michigan Incentives and Workforce Development Guide.
