GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Stikwood, a California company that makes wood-based wallcoverings for commercial and residential applications, plans to open a production facility in Kentwood that will bring 73 new jobs and $4.2 million in investments over the next three years.
The new employer was announced by The Right Place Inc. after the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $400,000 incentive for the company on Wednesday, July 27. Stikwood will be locating its operations in a building at 4849 Barden Court SE.
"We're excited to begin the next chapter of Stikwood's story in West Michigan, a region known for its strong manufacturing heritage," said Laura McCall, CEO and owner of the Sacramento-based company in a news release.
"The economic support, talented workforce, and great quality of life make the region an ideal place to locate our new facility, and we look forward to joining the West Michigan community."
Founded in 2012 by Jerry and Laura McCall, Stikwood makes the world's first "Peel & Stik" reclaimed and sustainable wood planking, according to the news release.
Stikwood's wall coverings are made from reclaimed and sustainable woods sourced from various locations in the United States. The wallcoverings are applied by an adhesive strip that is applied to each piece underneath a peel-off backing.
"Attracting Stikwood to West Michigan was extremely competitive. We competed with Utah, Texas, and Tennessee for this project before ultimately winning Stikwood's business," said Right Place Vice President Therese Thill.
"The City of Kentwood is thrilled to have Stikwood's new operations located in Kentwood. We look forward to assisting them as they make the transition into their new facility."" said Mayor Stephen Kepley in a press release.
"With this latest economic development project, The Right Place, working with its local and state partners, has generated $222 million in capital investment and assisted in the creation of 554 jobs in West Michigan in 2016," said Right Place Chairman Richard Breon.