Business expansion, community improvement projects win state approval to invest, add jobs in Michigan

California-based Stikwood establishing new facility in Kentwood

LANSING, Mich. – A California-based wood planking manufacturer is expanding in Kentwood with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. 

That expansion, along with three community development projects that have also received MSF approval, will generate a total private investment of more than $5.5 million and create 98 jobs in Michigan. 

“We’re working to spark business growth, revitalize communities and create more and better jobs for our residents,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “Stikwood’s decision to expand in Michigan rather than in other states underscores our vastly improved business climate and the talent of our manufacturing workforce. We applaud the company’s commitment to Michigan.”  

124 Grand Holdings Inc. dba Stikwood, is the world’s first peel and stick reclaimed and sustainable wood planking manufacturer. Founded in 2010 and based in Sacramento, Stikwood uses reclaimed and sustainable woods sourced from various locations in the United States. Stikwood products include Peel and Stik wood planking and wall art for the commercial and residential design markets. 

The company is experiencing increased sales and needs to expand to a second manufacturing and distribution facility. The company plans to establish a new facility in Kentwood, investing nearly $4.2 million and creating 73 jobs. As a result, the project has been awarded a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Utah, Texas and Tennessee. People interested in careers with Stikwood should contact [email protected]. To learn more about Stikwood’s products, visit here: http://www.stikwood.com/. 

“Stikwood has been an amazing story of growth for us,” said Laura McCall, owner and CEO, Stikwood. “We’re excited to begin the next chapter of Stikwood’s story in West Michigan, a region known for its strong manufacturing heritage. The economic support, talented workforce, and great quality of life make the region an ideal place to locate our new facility, and we look forward to joining the West Michigan community.” 

 

The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the following community improvement projects: 

The city of Escanaba has been awarded $831,029 in Community Development Block Grant funds for façade improvements to six buildings in downtown Escanaba. The project will make transformational improvements to the building facades, including masonry repair, window replacement, storefront reconstruction and new signage that will restore the historic features of the buildings and improve the entire downtown area. The project will generate total private investment of $293,301.  The city of Escanaba is supporting the project with $22,000 provided by the city’s Downtown Development Authority. 

In addition, the city of Escanaba has been awarded $487,300 in CDBG funds for the Escanaba Marketplace farmers market that will be located at the vacant Northern Motors Ford dealership in downtown Escanaba. The new marketplace will offer fresh local food and serve as a gathering place for events, leading to a more vibrant and active downtown and bringing new life to a vacant space. The project is expected to generate $565,000 in private investment. The city of Escanaba is contributing $555,000 in funding from the Downtown Development Authority. 

The village of Port Austin has been awarded $250,000 in CDBG funds for the President Garfield’s Inn project in Port Austin. The partners of Garfield’s Inn, LLC plan to purchase and restore the former Garfield inn, renovating the inn into a fine dining restaurant with six bed and breakfast rooms. The project will also include the restoration of the historic Victorian Garden on the property, allowing for outside dining. The project is expected to generate total private investment of $535,000 and create 25 full-time jobs. The village of Port Austin will provide administrative support to the project. 

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.