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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

German company to invest $5 million in new Kalamazoo, Michigan facility

03/27/2012
Hark Orchids L.P., an orchid propagation company headquartered in Lippstadt, Germany, plans to invest approximately $5 million to establish its first U.S. facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

"Hark's choice of Michigan for its first U.S. facility tells others across the globe that Michigan holds great opportunities for their business expansion," Gov. Rick Snyder said. "Michigan is more business-friendly than ever is showing real results that will mean new jobs for people across our state."

Hark Orchids plans to establish a 30,000 square-foot lab and climatic chambers facility for the hybridization, cultivation and propagation of orchids. The investment will create up to 80 jobs. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Southwest Michigan First supported the project with incentive grants totaling $750,000, the Governor's office said.

"Investments in Michigan's agriculture industry, like Hark's investment in Kalamazoo, help our economic recovery by creating new agriculture jobs and supporting our local communities," said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Keith Creagh. "Michigan currently ranks third in the nation in floriculture production and is known for our high quality floriculture products both in the U.S. and internationally."

"Southwest Michigan welcomes Hark to a new stage in the region's rich history as the Bedding Plant Capital of the World. While the industry relied on the region's microclimates and rich soil centuries ago, today its collaborative infrastructure and bioscientific knowledge are helping it to blossom as shown by the company's decision to locate here," said Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First.

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