GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Thursday that Howie's Hockey Tape, a sporting goods brand that produces quality products for hockey accessories, will be expanding and moving out of its warehousing and distribution facility at 3445 36th St. SE in Kentwood and building a new facility at 6658 East Paris Dr. in Caledonia.
With the expansion the company plans to add 45 jobs and $6 million in capital investment in order to support demand from new customers and markets.
The Right Place worked closely with MEDC to ensure the company could continue to grow in the West Michigan region rather than out-of-state locations and Canada. With the approval of a $270,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant, the MEDC is supporting the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“Howie's Hockey is investing in Kent County, creating 45 good-paying jobs and building on Michigan’s economic momentum,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the project. “Michigan was chosen for this expansion over several other locations because of our attractive business environment and talented workforce. Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring good-paying, high-skill jobs home so everyone, in any community, can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will continue sending a clear message that Michigan is open for business and building on our momentum.”
The company said Gaines Township was chosen for the project over competing sites in the western U.S., the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Canada because of their longstanding roots in Michigan.
“We’re thrilled that we were able to keep Howie's Hockey Tape within our region,” said Olivia Lanctot, Business Development Manager at The Right Place and project lead. “This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company and we’re happy to have played a part in their growth. We can’t wait to see what new top-quality products and expertise they’ll bring to the table.”
The Howie's Hockey Tape team plans to improve their facilities and processes to continue its growth in order to meet what they say is an increasing demand from their NHL, NFL, and NCAA customers. The new facility they plan to build in Gaines Charter Township will include both office and warehouse space.
“Growing up in Eastown, Grand Rapids has always been a special place to me – I’m blessed to have been raised here and I’m proud to make Michigan my home,” said Howie's Hockey Owner Howard Max Sieplinga. “As we look toward the future of Howie's, our dream is to build a sporting goods brand that is widely recognized across the globe. A brand that Michigan, specifically West Michigan, is proud to call their own. Founders did it in beer, Steelcase in furniture, and we hope to accomplish it in hockey and the sports medicine world."
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