Posted on 09/01/2017 1:24:53 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Chinese company that makes office furniture components is planning to build a new $4.9 million manufacturing plant that will employ 122 workers.
J-Star Motion Corp., which recently opening an office and warehouse facility at 83 South Main Street in Kent City, plans to build the factory at 500 West Street, in a building owned by Display Pack Inc., according to an announcement on Wednesday, Aug. 30, by The Right Place inc.
The new facility will support J-Star's American business growth, which centers on making linear motion and lifting systems for the office furniture industry.
In 2014, J-Star opened warehouse and administrative offices in Southern California in 2014, which is still serves as its American headquarters.
J-Star had considered expanded closer to its California base, but The Right Place recruiters were able to build a business case and convince J-Star leaders that the region's historically-significant furniture manufacturing roots was worth exploring, according to a Right Place news release.
"Securing this new Chinese Foreign Direct Investment is significant for our region," said Right Place President and CEO Birgit Klohs. "The investment reaffirms that West Michigan is a global destination for international investment and business expansion."
The top US office furniture makers are still centered in Michigan. HNI-Hon, AllSteel of Muscatine, Iowa is the only big one not in Michigan.
About 20 years ago I was up that way doing some consulting for Steelcase at the Steelcase Pyramid. I think they’ve since sold the building. I always wondered how the architect talked upper management into that one! Interesting structure. I see it’s now a data center.
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/steelcase-pyramid
Steelcase is a huge office/systems furniture manufacturer.
You mentioned Allsteel, I’m sitting in a #19. Great office chair.
Another win....
Should give a boost to the particle board industry too.
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