With support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, global pressure-sensitive adhesives manufacturer tesa SE is expanding its plant in Sparta, Michigan. The $35.6 million project is expected to create 25 jobs.

A major component of this project will include adding state-of-the-art equipment with eco-friendly production technology.

“The enormous investment in our tesa plant in Sparta is a big step towards being able to offer customers from important industrial sectors – such as the automotive and building industries, more sustainable and innovative self-adhesive technologies and products”, said Daniel Germain, tesa Regional Manager North America. “For almost 40 years, the tesa plant in Sparta has been closely linked to the region and is an important local employer. I am very happy that our economic commitment is supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund.”

The expansion will be supported by a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant of up to $450,000.

“tesa’s continued growth in Michigan is an important vote of confidence in Michigan and sends the message that real momentum continues to build as we shape a championship economy here in the state for all Michiganders,” Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We’re pleased to work with The Right Place and other local partners to support the growth of tesa tape in Michigan and look forward to working together as they continue to add jobs here.”

Tesa plant Sparta is a subsidiary of Germany-based tesa SE, a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive solutions serving the appliance, automotive, building supply, electronics, industrial, paper and print, and transportation industries. The company has been offering special adhesive tapes for the automotive sector for 90 years and currently has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide. tesa plant Sparta began operating in 1982, the company’s first operations outside of Europe at the time. Today, tesa plant Sparta produces special tapes for cars, appliances, and packaging, and employs 125 people.

“tesa’s decision to expand in Greater Grand Rapids is a prime example of the region’s status as a globally competitive destination for business,” added Olivia Lanctot, Business Development Coordinator and project lead for The Right Place, Inc., “Over the last 35 years, our region has established itself as a destination for business success. We have skilled talent, economic growth potential and an incredibly strong business community that allows us to position ourselves advantageously on a global scale.”

The village of Sparta offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. The Right Place worked closely with tesa and MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than other out-of-state locations that were considered.