MEDC grant spurs $33-million private investment, creates 250 jobs for West Michigan-based distribution facility

MEDC grant spurs $33-million private investment, creates 250 jobs for West Michigan-based distribution facility

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Governor Rick Snyder today commended Grand Rapids-based Notions Marketing Corporation on its $33-million private investment as part of an expansion and upgrade of the distribution facility where sales have grown by 30 percent over the last two years. The project is supported by an $800,000 Business Development performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Updates at the site include an 80,000 square foot expansion, the renovation of 35,000 square feet of an existing facility and the hiring of 250 employees, many from the nearby economically distressed neighborhoods. A pending $150,633 grant from the Skilled Trades Training Fund will support the training for the additional workforce. An expansion of the Notions Marketing’s Grand Rapids location was selected after the company considered possible sites in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

“Notions Marketing is a Pure Michigan success story – a Michigan-based company that is creating more and better jobs while continuing to be committed to its community,” Snyder said. “Companies like this make Michigan stronger. It’s a global leader in its field, and is focused on investing in the people of the Grand Rapids area and continuing to innovate so it can thrive now, but also long into the future.”

In the last two years, the west Michigan distributor has added 45,000 products and 2,700 customers. The company thrives with its foundation of independent retailers and manufacturers along with retail giants such as Jo-Ann Fabrics, Amazon and Walmart. Notions Marketing is the world’s largest creative arts distributor and ships to 89 countries. The expansion and technology investment will allow the company to increase both capacity and shipping efficiency.

“Working to create jobs is important, but creating jobs like these in the 49507 zip code is vital to the success and growth of the neighborhood,” said Therese Thill, vice president, Business Development, The Right Place.

Since 1938, Notions Marketing has been a family-owned business considered as a catalyst for neighborhood economic development. In August, the company added 100 full-time employees along with 50 permanent part-time workers and 400 seasonal jobs.

“West Michigan is our home, and we are committed to doing what we can to having a positive impact on our community, including keeping jobs and investments local,” said Adrienne Stevens, president of Notions Marketing. “The overwhelming outpouring of support that we have received recently has really reaffirmed our decision to continue building here in Michigan.”

In addition to the MEDC MBDP grant, Notions Marketing will receive a $12,000 State Trade Export Program grant, and the city of Grand Rapids has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement.

“The City has supported a long history of Notions Marketing’s growth and we are happy to be a partner in their continued success,” said Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Kara Wood. “We recognize that businesses have many options for expansion and we appreciate Notion Marketing’s decision to grow jobs in the City.”

The hiring of new employees at Notions Marketing is another sign of Michigan’s strengthening economy. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September fell to 5.0 percent, which is below the national average of 5.1 percent. This is the first time Michigan has been below the national average since August 2000.
Individuals interested in career opportunities with Notion Marketing should visit www.notionsmarketing.com to apply.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.