GRAND RAPIDS — California Closets plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids in a bid to support customers in the country’s eastern portion.
The Berkeley, Calif.-based maker and retailer of custom closets will invest approximately $5.7 million in the new facility located at 4930 Kraft Ave. SE. Once operational, the facility will support 61 jobs, according to a statement.
“West Michigan is attractive to us due to many factors,” said Eric Wolff, president of fulfillment at California Closets. “The location offers proximity to our customers and supply base, but more importantly a strong talent base in manufacturing and design. The West Michigan area has been a leader in forward thinking and furniture-related industries, which fits our direction and future.”
The Right Place Inc., a Grand Rapids-based economic development organization, assisted California Closets in choosing Michigan to locate its manufacturing facility in the state. The company also considered sites in Illinois, Georgia and other states.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation supported California Closets’ expansion with a $335,000 performance-based grant. West Michigan Works! also granted the company $48,000 in workforce development support.
