A global provider and innovator of radio frequency identification labels, RFID tags, and intelligent RFID packaging solutions, eAgile Inc. is expanding its facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.3 million and create 50 new qualified jobs. According to state officials, the expansion at its Grand Rapids facility will include bringing in additional machinery and equipment to accelerate growth opportunities.

The Right Place, West Michigan’s leading economic development organization, worked with the company in collaboration with the MEDC to assist the RFID leader’s local growth versus out of state possibilities.

“eAgile continues to run at full speed in Grand Rapids, so we are excited to expand here and continue to provide world-class products from our city, “said Bob Vorpagel, CFO, eAgile, Inc. “The Right Place has been a wonderful asset to helping us grow locally.”

As an incentive, the Michigan Strategic Fund announced a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in support of the project.

“The decision by eAgile to expand in Grand Rapids rather than other states demonstrates Michigan’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“This investment will provide good employment opportunities for Michigan residents and will create a long-term positive impact on the local economy, he added.

“Our region’s strong technology and manufacturing base, combined with the support from the MEDC made eAgile’s decision to expand in Grand Rapids a perfect choice,” said Eric Icard, senior business development manager at The Right Place.

The convergence of technology and manufacturing continues to change the landscape of West Michigan’s manufacturing industry. eAgile’s RFID technology and manufactured products provide a new, innovative example of this, officials at The Right Place said.

“The city has rapidly become a technology hub, and we are thrilled that eAgile is joining the mix and growing its Grand Rapids roots,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “This announcement is another great example of how city, state and economic development resources, such as The Right Place, can work together to create jobs in Grand Rapids.”