Area Development
Custom Profile Inc., a company that specializes in extruded plastic projects, and Denmark-based Gabriel, a company that develops, manufactures, and sells upholstery fabrics and components, have planned expansion projects in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The projects are expected to bring a total of 110 new jobs and $3.78 million in new capital investment to the region.

According to The Right Place, West Michigan’s leading economic development organization, Custom Profile acquired a plastic extrusion and finishing company in Wisconsin and will be moving operations to its current location at 2535 Waldorf Ct. NW, Grand, Rapids. The company is expected to add 54 new jobs and invest $2.28 million to support the relocation and expansion over the next three years. The project is being supported by a $216,000 performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“After the acquisition of the company, Custom Profile had several options on the future location of the business,” said Jen Wangler, Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc., and service lead on the project. “Custom Profile could have kept the operations in Wisconsin or moved them elsewhere. Instead, working together, we were able to bring the operations here to West Michigan.”

“We are grateful for the support of The Right Place during this new phase of growth,” said Jim Gorant, CFO, Custom Profile, Inc. “With all the operational complexities involved with an acquisition like this, it is extremely helpful to have an organization like The Right Place supporting us locally and ensuring we were able to move these jobs here to Walker.”

“The City of Walker is proud to be home to Custom Profile and pleased to see their continued growth in Walker,” said Mayor Mark Huizenga, City of Walker. “Walker is committed to being a business friendly-community, we have no greater testimony than our businesses that continue to grow and thrive in the City. The city is grateful to The Right Place as we partner; enhancing the economic growth of our city and region.”

After nearly a year of assistance and support, The Right Place reported Denmark-based Gabriel will open its first North American sales and manufacturing operation in Grand Rapids. The company plans to open a 30,000 sq. ft. facility on the city’s west side at 560 5th Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The location will bring 56 new jobs to the city with a capital investment of $1.5 million.

“Over the past year, The Right Place has been a valuable resource in establishing our first location in North America,” said Mr. Lars Malte Hansen, Director of Business Development, Gabriel. “The organization was able to directly assist us with a variety of business needs, as well as connect us with several additional services in the area.”