155 New Jobs, Nearly $16.5 Million in Capital Investment coming to Eaton, Kent Counties

Matrix Consulting Engineers announces expansion, creating 55 new jobs in Delta Township, Eaton County; HexArmor expanding manufacturing capabilities, creating at least 100 new jobs in Grand Rapids, Kent County

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two expansion projects creating 155 new jobs in Eaton and Kent Counties. Matrix Consulting Engineers is expanding their mechanical and electrical engineering operations in Delta Township through the acquisition and renovation of a facility to meet their growing portfolio, which will result in 55 new jobs. Meanwhile, HexArmor is announcing the expansion of their Grand Rapids headquarters, resulting in their ability to triple the company’s holding and processing capabilities and will create at least 100 new jobs. 

“Today, we are investing in advanced manufacturing companies across Michigan to create 155 good-paying jobs and grow Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan-based companies in every corner of our state are open for business and on the move, and I’ll work with anyone to help them grow and succeed. Congratulations to Matrix Consulting Engineers and HexArmor for their exciting announcements. Let’s keep working together to grow MIchigan’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and help more families ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

"Today's announcements by Matrix Consulting Engineers and HexArmor are a direct result of Team Michigan's relentless pursuit of the 'Make it in Michigan' economic development strategy focused on our People, Places, and Projects," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "These projects demonstrate that Michigan is the place where companies of every size can excel with the right tools to support their dedication, passion, and grit. We are grateful to have earned this investment, congratulate both companies on their success. We thank Governor Whitmer, the bipartisan legislature and our economic development partners for providing us with the tools to secure this private investment in our great state." 

 

Matrix Consulting Engineers, Inc. is a sought-after firm for their expertise in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering and provides customized solutions for renovation and design for customers in both the public and private sectors. Notable projects of Matrix Consulting Engineers, Inc. can be seen on the campuses of Michigan State University, Lansing Community College and Hillsdale College. 

The company is excited to announce their Delta Township, Eaton County, expansion through the purchase and renovation of an existing 35,000-square-foot building that will comprise primarily of office and administrative efforts. This will allow for increased collaboration between the employees and drive top-tier talent to the company. The expansion is expected to result in at least $5,120,000 in capital investment and create at least 55 new jobs with the support of a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant in the amount of $385,000 from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Newly created jobs will have a starting wage of $25 per hour plus benefits, which is above the regional median wage of $23.68 per hour. 

“We are truly excited to partner with the MEDC on our upcoming move. Working with them and our other partners has enabled us to stay in Lansing and bring our two offices together in a building that allows us to grow in our local community,” noted Craig Trierweiler, President of Matrix Consulting Engineers, Inc. 

“Good-paying, high-quality jobs are the foundation of thriving communities, both large and small,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “The jobs created by Matrix Consulting Engineers’ expansion in Delta Township offer exactly the kind of opportunities people need to build sustainable lives here in the Greater Lansing area. I look forward to their success and appreciate the support of the MEDC and the governor in strengthening Michigan’s workforce and future.” 

“Every single added job in our community makes a real, tangible difference. It means one more, ten more, dozens more families can breathe easier knowing they can count on stable, good work,” said state Representative Angela Witwer (Delta Township). “The expansion of homegrown Michigan companies — like Matrix Consulting Engineers — is an added bonus that illustrates a continued upward trend of healthy economic growth for my district and all of Michigan.” 

The company is considering facilities in Indiana and Ohio as top targets for this expansion due to the increased possibility of project work from public and private clients. The MBDP performance-based grant will help offset the costs associated with renovating and outfitting the building and ensure no job loss in the region. 

“Growing high wage/four-year degreed jobs, especially this many engineering jobs, in our community is a major priority and we are thankful to Matrix for making this choice and we are also grateful to the MEDC and Delta Township for their amazing work to make this building and investment happen,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “The new headquarters will provide the company with an ideal location for continued growth and the professional services they offer will complement the thriving office, commercial and industrial sectors in Delta Township.” 

In addition to Michigan Strategic Fund support, Delta Township has offered support in the form of a locally approved commercial rehabilitation tax exemption valued at approximately $100,000. 

HexArmor was established in Grand Rapids in 2002 with the mission of providing worker safety around the world by focusing on designing, manufacturing and selling industry-leading personal protective products including gloves, eyewear, helmets, hearing protection, safety footwear and more.   

Today, HexArmor is announcing their plans to expand their existing headquarters building in Grand Rapids, adding approximately 59,000 square feet across two phases that will enable a tripling of product holding and processing capacity, while also providing additional office space for its growing workforce. This expansion is expected to generate at least $11,405,000 in capital investment while creating at least 100 new jobs with the support of the Michigan Strategic Fund through a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.  Newly created jobs will have starting wages more than the regional median wage. 

 “We’re thrilled to announce the continued growth and expansion of our facility in Grand Rapids. From its inception 20 years ago, HexArmor has evolved into one of the premier brands in safety, offering innovative products across the globe,” said Steve VanErmen, Chief Executive Officer, HexArmor. “Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan community have played a pivotal role in our success, making it a natural choice for further investment. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for HexArmor, and we’re eager to continue building on our strong foundation here.” 

“Kent County is an epicenter for Michigan’s economic growth. This latest investment demonstrates our state’s commitment to building up our local businesses and workforce,” said state Representative Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids). “HexArmor’s expansion will bring over 100 new jobs to our community, creating new opportunities for people to enter into successful careers and build a life for themselves right here in Michigan.” 

The company continues to see growing adoption of and demand for their PPE products in the marketplace, particularly in core areas of high-performance hand, body, and eye protection products while also investing in the development of new product lines that are anticipated to bring additional growth opportunities. 

"The Right Place commends HexArmor for choosing to expand their operations here in Grand Rapids,” said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. “As an international company with customers around the globe and throughout North America, they could have decided to expand in another location. Fortunately, our region’s skilled talent pool and strong work ethic, supportive business climate, combined with over 20 years of success in the area, influenced their decision to grow right here." 

The company chose to invest in Michigan over competing sites due to the strong employee base, a demonstrated history of success dating back 20 years, and access to skilled talent that will help with future growth.  

For those interested in pursuing a career with HexArmor, learn more on their website. 

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.