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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Grand Rapids Foam Technologies Invests $2.5 Million In McAllen, Texas Plant, Creating 150 Jobs

06/13/2012
Grand Rapids Foam Technologies, a Michigan-based polyurethane manufacturing and distribution business, will invest $2.5 million to expand its operation to McAllen, Texas, with estimates of creating 150 jobs.

The firm leased over 46,000-square-feet from Verde Realty in the Sharyland Business Park, and will begin production this summer as a state-of-the-art foam molding, fabricating, upholstery, and assembly facility. Their products can be found in commercial and office furniture, bedding, packaging, medical equipment, theatre and arena seats, and other items in the hi-tech, aerospace, and transportation industries.

"The synergy we have seen in this market between the industrial community, the education sector, and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation has really convinced us that the area as a whole is truly invested in helping companies succeed for the benefit of those operations and the people of the community." Ben Amann, President of Grand Rapids Foam Technologies - South Texas Operations.

With GRFT's focus on product development and engineering, custom and rapid-response manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and a genuine interest in the development of their employees and their families, McAllen seemed like the obvious choice. GRFT South Texas Operations brings a creed of world class quality, consistent deliverability, and exceptional customer service; all qualities that our community definitely welcomes with open arms, Amann added.

While incentives offered the firm were not immediately available, Janie Cavazos, Vice President of Business Recruitment, U.S.A. for McAllen Economic Development Corporation said; "We are extremely excited to have Grand Rapids Foam Technologies in McAllen. Their manufacturing process has the capability to service many existing companies in our area, and create a good amount of jobs. After all, recruiting industry to McAllen and creating jobs in our city are our top priorities."

Grand Rapids Foam Technologies - South Texas Operations will not only service a current customer base located in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, but will offer products to other companies in the McAllen-Reynosa bi-national industrial market and beyond. Besides servicing existing clients and growing their customer base in the established industrial market in our region, executives at GRFT - South Texas Operations saw a huge advantage in settling in McAllen, given the bilingual talent and manufacturing resources that exist in the area, he said.

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