The Right Place assists two companies with local expansions, driving creation of 319 jobs and over $15.5 million investment

Gen3 Defense & Aerospace to add 269 jobs and invest $8.69 million

Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that electronic and autonomous vehicle solution provider, Gen3 Defense & Aerospace, will be expanding its operations in Greater Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of $8.69 million, the expansion will bring 269 new jobs to the area.

Founded in 2020, Gen3 is an engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain solution provider, headquartered in Grand Rapids with a primary focus on newly developed autonomous military and aerospace programs.

To accommodate the scale of its upcoming projects, Gen3 has a need to grow its West Michigan team to maintain and expand its capabilities in robotics systems development. Currently, Gen3 employs 26 people in West Michigan out of its current location at 285 Dodge NE in Comstock Park. The company is seeking to expand into a much larger facility in Kent County, which will result in the hire 269 additional employees.

“Our team is excited to begin taking on new opportunities as we continue growing in West Michigan,” said Gen3 Defense and Aerospace GM, Mark Wells. “We plan to continue in the high-tech robotics space, and we’ll need a strong, talented team to achieve that. We’re thankful for all of the support The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC provided to make this expansion a reality here in West Michigan.”

The Right Place worked closely with Gen3 and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region.

The MEDC is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $1,000,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place also connected Gen3 to workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to aid with talent recruitment and training.

To view and apply for job openings at Gen3 Defense, visit mkbholdings.bamboohr.com/jobs/.

Blackmer to add 50 jobs and invest over $7 million in upcoming expansion

Blackmer®, part of PSG®, a Dover company, will be expanding its operations at 1809 Century Ave SW in Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of over $7 million, the company will bring 50 new jobs to the West Michigan community.

Operating in Grand Rapids since 1925, Blackmer is the leading global provider of innovative, high-quality sliding vane, centrifugal, screw and regenerative turbine pump, and reciprocating gas compressor technologies for the safe transfer of liquids and gases. The company, which currently employs 250 full-time people at its Grand Rapids location, designs, manufactures, and distributes its products to variety of industries including chemical, energy, transportation, military, marine and oil and gas.

To accommodate continued growth and its recent acquisitions, Blackmer plans to demolish an obsolete and dormant foundry at its existing location in Grand Rapids and construct a new manufacturing facility. The planned 60,000 square foot facility will house assembly, paint, and shipping functions, and allow for the creation of 50 jobs.

“Our team is incredibly excited to continue growing and evolving our operations in the West Michigan region,” said Blackmer General Manager, Bob Lauson. “We’ve called the Grand Rapids community home for nearly a century, and it continues to be an ideal location for us to expand our footprint. We’re thankful to the team at The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC for the support they have provided get this project over the finish line. In addition, the City of Grand Rapids has been a pleasure to deal with and has been very supportive of the project.”

The Right Place worked closely with Blackmer, the City of Grand Rapids and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations. The MEDC is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“Blackmer’s decision to continue its growth in the City of Grand Rapids is a testament to the economic strength of our region,” said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “Our city continues to be a location where innovative businesses are able to grow and thrive.”

To view and apply for job openings at Blackmer, visit psgdovercareers.com/.

Comments from State and Local Leaders

Randy Thelen, President & CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

“Greater Grand Rapids has served as a community where companies like Gen3 and Blackmer are able to embrace growth opportunities that bolster continued success and prosperity,” said President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., Randy Thelen, “We are thrilled these two companies are continuing to grow here in the community and look forward to the increased economic opportunity these projects will bring to our residents.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

“As we jumpstart Michigan’s economy, these projects demonstrate our continued focus on laying a path for economic growth and recovery in all regions of our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s actions will lead to economic opportunity for Michiganders in West Michigan, by creating jobs, building on our rich manufacturing heritage in key industries, and supporting business growth here in our state.”

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board

“These projects reflect our commitment to taking a holistic, people-first approach to economic development while securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will drive our economy into the future,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. ““We’re proud to join The Right Place and our local partners as we send the message that we are working to build a championship economy here in West Michigan.”