129 New Jobs Created in Van Buren, Shiawassee, and Kalamazoo Counties

Three business expansion projects receiving Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support will help create 129 new jobs and result in over $23 million in total capital investment

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three business expansion projects receiving Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support that will help create 129 new jobs and result in over $23 million in total capital investment in Van Buren, Shiawassee and Kalamazoo Counties.  

“Today’s announcements further advance the state’s design and manufacturing leadership by adding 129 new jobs and driving more than $23 million of investment in critical manufacturing industries across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to see these three companies bet on Michigan’s world class workers. Michigan is open for business and on the move, and I will work with anyone to create jobs, bring supply chains home, and help companies like these continue to succeed.” 

Special-Lite, which manufactures commercial doors and entrances in the Village of Decatur, is constructing a new facility to expand its production capability. Acculevel, a foundation repair and waterproofing solutions provider, is establishing its regional headquarters in Durand. Finally, appliance manufacturer Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is expanding its Kalamazoo facility to continue its growth as a leader in the outdoor kitchen systems space. 

“In Michigan, we make things, grow things, and build the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These investments are more proof that thanks to our manufacturing heritage and talented workforce, we are ready to take the lead and help more companies across our state grow and thrive. Let’s keep Standing Tall for our Michigan-born companies and their contributions to our state.” 

"Today's announcements by Special-Lite, Acculevel and Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet reflect the range of problem-solving expertise Michigan’s manufacturing companies possess. Team Michigan is grateful that our state continues to earn these growth investments as we execute the ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy focusing on People, Places and Projects,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "We thank Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist, the bipartisan legislature and our economic development partners for their continued budget support of the Michigan Business Development Program grant and economic development tools needed to secure these investments in a competitive environment. While work remains, we celebrate today these three companies and their continued growth in Michigan and the positive impact on the lives of individual Michiganders." 

“I’m thrilled to welcome Acculevel to Shiawassee County, where their investment in Durand will not only drive economic growth but also create well-paying jobs that strengthen our local workforce,” said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “Strategic investments like this don’t just boost local economies — they create lasting opportunities for families and businesses alike. I’m also grateful to the City of Durand for its leadership and commitment to making this project a reality.” 

  

Special-Lite Inc. manufactures engineered architectural products, including commercial fiberglass and aluminum complete entrance systems, interior aluminum framing with swing or sliding aluminum framed doors, and fiber reinforced polymer bathroom partitions. Located in Decatur, the company currently has 184 employees with an additional site in Benton Harbor employing 74 Michiganders. 

The company is announcing they are expanding their production capability by constructing a new 59,000 square-foot building with the goal of increasing production capacity to support growth in the healthcare industry and others through new product launches. Over the next five years, the expansion is expected to generate $15,652,000 in capital investment with the creation of at least 55 new jobs in the region. This expansion has received support from the MSF in the amount of $250,000 through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant. 

"We are proud to continue investing in our community and the great state of Michigan. With the support of the MEDC we will enhance our commitment to manufacturing high quality products while strengthening and contributing to the local economy," said Alex Esposito, President and COO of Special-Lite, Inc. "This investment opens additional markets, supports new growth and enhances our presence as a premium employer in Southwest Michigan," he added. 

In addition to MSF support, the Village of Decatur anticipates approval of a real property tax abatement with an anticipated value of more than $1.5 million. The company is looking at competing, existing sites in Indiana that would require less capital investment than building a new site in Decatur. Without state support, the company would have relocated to Indiana resulting in a net loss of good-paying jobs in Michigan. 

"Business expansion projects require strong company leadership, outstanding municipal partners like the Village of Decatur, and support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Zach Morris, Executive Director of Market One, the economic development organization for Cass and Van Buren Counties. “Thankfully, we had all three pieces in place and get to celebrate the remarkable growth of Special-Lite." 

“This expansion is a major win for Decatur and Southwest Michigan,” said state Representative Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet). “Special-Lite’s decision to grow right here in our beautiful corner of the state underscores the strength of our local workforce and the value of investing in Michigan.  I look forward to the new jobs and opportunities coming to Southwest Michigan.” 

Learn more about pursuing a career with Special-Lite at special-lite.com.

  

Acculevel, Inc. is an industry leader in enhancing basements, reclaiming crawl spaces and reinforcing foundations to prevent flooding and mitigate mold growth to preserve the value of homes for its customers. The company’s services protect homes and building structures, improve energy efficiency, and transform basements into dry, comfortable living spaces. 

The company is announcing their plans to expand their Midwest footprint, establishing their regional headquarters in Durand. This expansion project is anticipated to result in $3,849,900 in capital investment and create 52 new jobs with starting wages between $48 and $72 per hour plus benefits, which is significantly higher than the regional media wage of $20.71. The investment has been supported by the MSF through an MBDP grant in the amount of $250,000.  

"We're honored to partner with the MEDC and the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership on this exciting project in Durand,” said Andy Beery, Founder & CEO of Acculevel. “Their support has been invaluable, and we share their commitment to fostering economic development and creating opportunities in this region. This grant is not just an investment in Acculevel; it's an investment in the future of Durand."  

"The City of Durand is pleased to welcome Acculevel to our home. We see their business and job creation as a benefit to our residents and the surrounding areas as we continue to find ways to grow and develop our city with community-minded partners,” said Durand Mayor Jeff Brands. “We happily supported Acculevel through this grant process and are grateful to the MEDC for sharing in our belief in the company and the good they'll bring with them. A well-deserved congratulations to the Acculevel team.”  

The company was considering Ohio and Wisconsin for their expansion; however, they are attracted to the Durand site due to the synergy and ease of collaboration it would create with its headquarters in Indiana. The project supports the diversification of industries in Shiawassee County where the unemployment rate is currently 5.7%. In addition to MSF support, the city of Durand has offered a ‘staff, financial or economic commitment to the project’ in the form of talent attraction resources, introductions to local partnerships and to expedite the process for any permits needed. 

“The decision by Acculevel to locate in Durand is exciting, bringing skilled, good-paying jobs and investment to the community. It also reflects that one of Shiawassee County’s best assets is its central location along I-69, making for easy access to customers and business vendors in the State of Michigan,” added Justin Horvath, President and CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership. “Thank you to Acculevel for their decision to invest here, for the City of Durand’s leadership and innovation in securing a good site, and for the MEDC’s support for employment growth in Michigan. We are grateful to be part of a true team effort to make this project happen.” 

Learn more about pursuing a career with Acculevel at acculavel.com.

  

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is a leading manufacturer of world-class appliances and cabinetry for outdoor cooking and entertaining, crafting customized modular outdoor kitchen systems including grills, pizza ovens, smokers, refrigeration, cabinetry, and ventilation among other products. 

Following a merger with Montreal-based Urban Bonfire, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is announcing they are relocating the manufacturing operations currently in Montreal to Kalamazoo. This relocation requires an expansion at their current facility to accommodate the new productions lines. The project will result in a capital investment of at least $3.8 million and create 22 new jobs.  

“I am truly thrilled to announce this expansion,” said Scott Kohler, President of Manufacturing at Pleina Group. “With the support of MSF, we are bringing new manufacturing and job opportunities to the Kalamazoo area and furthering our rich history of craftsmanship and expertise that started more than a century ago in Kalamazoo, Michigan.” 

The company was considering relocating to their Montreal or Chicago area; however, with the support of the MSF through an MBDP grant valued at $200,000, these manufacturing jobs will remain in Michigan. 

“We’re proud that Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet carries the Kalamazoo name and awareness to high-end markets and consumers everywhere. Southwest Michigan First has partnered with Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet for years and we’re thrilled to collaborate with MEDC to support them in bringing production of the Urban Bonfire product line to Comstock Charter Township,” said Jonas Peterson, CEO, Southwest Michigan First. “Their significant investment and creation of 22 new production and assembly jobs are highly beneficial for our region.”   

"I am thrilled that Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet has decided to expand its operations right here in Southwest Michigan, growing essential investments and job opportunities in our community," said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). "I want to thank the Michigan Strategic Fund for helping our state stay competitive and retain manufacturing in Michigan and also congratulate the community leaders in Comstock Charter Township for their support in making this a reality for our Kalamazoo-area neighbors." 

“I appreciate the investments that the MSF Board continues to make to support local Michigan companies like Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet,” said state Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “Thank you to the leadership of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet who chose to remain in Kalamazoo County and expand their manufacturing jobs. Our region continues to be at the forefront of driving innovation.” 

The company’s rich history of craftsmanship and expertise in metal fabrication began more than a century ago in Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo Sheet Metal was founded in 1906 as a custom sheet metal fabrication shop and originally focused on specialty metal products that were challenging for the average shop to fabricate. The company served a variety of industries in western Michigan, including the production of dairy processing equipment, and ultimately perfected the flawless “dairy standard” of stainless-steel welding. 

Learn more about pursuing a career with Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet at kalamazoogourmet.com.

  

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.