Gov. Whitmer Announces PADNOS Operations Expansion Creating 50 jobs in West Michigan

Recycling company investing $6.6 million, adding 50 jobs in city of Wyoming

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that recycling company PADNOS is expanding its operations in the city of Wyoming, where it will create up to 50 jobs for Michigan workers.

“Michigan’s business climate and highly skilled workforce provide an environment where businesses like PADNOS can grow and thrive, creating good jobs for Michiganders,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We’re pleased that this longstanding Michigan company has chosen to expand in our state. With the help of companies like PADNOS, we can continue growing Michigan’s economy.” 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $6.6 million, supported by a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Indiana.

PADNOS, founded in 1905 in the city of Holland, has been transforming scrap into reusable resources for more than 100 years. The company recycles metals, paper, plastics and electronics and currently has more than 725 team members.

PADNOS is increasing its capabilities into recycling ocean bound plastics and plans to expand at its facility in the city of Wyoming, where it will add new loading docks, a laboratory, and a maintenance garage. It will also invest in electrical and infrastructure upgrades.

“PADNOS is proud to further our investment in the community while increasing our processing capabilities to meet market demands. We are seeing an increase in demand for recycled material and we are committed to working with our partners to get these materials back into new products and keeping them out of our landfills and oceans.” said Jonathan Padnos, President & CEO of PADNOS.

The project will bring immediate jobs to residents in the area and cement the 100-year-old company’s presence in Michigan. PADNOS is committed to work with underserved communities and provides training to individuals returning from incarceration, providing them with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. PADNOS also offers benefits including profit sharing, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement for team members, and scholarships for team members’ children, and was recognized as one of the nation’s best and brightest companies to work for in 2021, according to BestandBrightest.com.

“Congratulations to the entire PADNOS team on your tremendous growth and success in West Michigan! We appreciate your continued vote of confidence in our state and in our workforce,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “This project is an economic win for Kent County and for the entire state. We’re proud to join our local partners as we celebrate PADNOS’ expansion in Michigan and look forward to continuing to work together to grow, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for Michigan residents.”

“This decision further cements PADNOS’ commitment to growth in Greater Grand Rapids” said Olivia Lanctot, Business Development Coordinator and project lead for The Right Place, Inc. “PADNOS has a long legacy of innovation and deep ties within our community, and we are pleased to see them continue their growth here. They offer quality employment opportunities, and their commitment to providing reentry training and jobs is an excellent opportunity for our community.”

The Right Place has offered to support the project with staff time and resources. For information on careers with PADNOS, visit https://padnos.com/theres-a-great-future-in-sustainablity/.

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.