The Right Place assists Feyen Zylstra with local expansion

Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Walker, announced that industrial technology and electrical services firm Feyen Zylstra will be expanding to a second location in the City of Walker. This expansion will result in the creation of 100 new high-tech jobs and a capital investment of $5.3 million.

Founded locally in 1980, Feyen Zylstra now has nearly 700 employees around the United States. The electrical services and industrial technology company focuses on solving complex problems associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical, low voltage, and automation systems.

Feyen Zylstra currently has four Michigan locations, including its headquarters in the City of Walker, and three other offices in Kalamazoo, Traverse City and Auburn Hills. Additionally, the firm has two offices located in Nashville, Tenn. and Charleston, S.C.

This expansion will involve the purchase and renovation of a 20,000 square foot building, located at 3085 Walkent Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49544. This new location will be used to house Feyen Zylstra’s industrial tech employees, including automation engineers, software developers, coders, and programmers.

“As the markets and industries we serve continue to grow and evolve, we intend to lead the market by offering the most innovative solutions,” said Nate Koetje, CEO, Feyen Zylstra “With manufacturers racing to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0, this expansion will enable us to provide specialized technical solutions and fanatical service to our rapidly expanding customer group. We are thankful for the support of The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC and City of Walker for assisting us with this expansion process.”

The company considered expanding its pre-existing out-of-state locations before deciding to expand in the City of Walker. The Right Place worked in collaboration with Feyen Zylstra and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. The Right Place also connected Feyen Zylstra to workforce development resources at West Michigan Works! to assist with worker training.

The MEDC is supporting the expansion effort with the approval of a $570,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“IIoT and automation are the future, and these trends are already impacting many industries in West Michigan,” said Jen Wangler, Senior Business Development Manager and project lead, “Having a company like Feyen Zylstra choose the City of Walker for an expansion involving a considerable amount of high-tech jobs speaks volumes of our region’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled talent.”

“Feyen Zylstra’s choice to build a second facility in the City of Walker is a testament to the strength of our city and workforce,” said Darrel Schmalzel, City Manager, City of Walker, “We are grateful they have chosen to continue their remarkable growth in our community, and we look forward to supporting them as they expand into their new location.”