The Right Place assists global refractory product manufacturer with expansion in Newaygo County

Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with Everett Township, announced that global refractory product manufacturer and supplier, HarbisonWalker International (HWI), is investing $9 million in the company’s manufacturing plant at 1301 E. 8^th Street in White Cloud.

HWI is increasing the floor space of the facility by 35%, adding to the northeastern corner of its existing plant. The expansion will include increased manufacturing space, the installation of new manufacturing technology and expanded warehousing capabilities.

“This is a highly collaborative region. We have greatly enjoyed working with The Right Place team and Everett Township and thank them for working with us on this expansion process. We have found West Michigan to be a wonderful place to do business and we are very proud of our employee family in the region and the great service they provide for our customers,” said Kevin Ballard, senior director, engineering and process improvement, HarbisonWalker International.

HWI’s plant in White Cloud employs approximately 140 people and produces brick and monolithic refractory products, primarily for the U.S. steel industry. As manufacturing has grown in recent years, so too has the demand for HWI’s product portfolio. Faced with the need for expansion, HWI worked with The Right Place in collaboration with Everett Township to ensure the expansion happened locally. The Township is supporting the project with a P.A. 198 tax abatement.

“HarbisonWalker International is one of Newaygo County’s largest employers,” said Julie Burrell, Business Development Coordinator – Newaygo County and project lead, “As a global company with nearly 20 facilities worldwide, it’s a very competitive playing field. Their decision to expand the Everett Township plant over any of the others is an excellent indication of what our area has to offer to the business community.”

“We’re thrilled HarbisonWalker International has chosen to grow its presence in our community,” said Judy Maike, Township Supervisor, Everett Township, “We look forward to our continued partnership with HWI and the additional opportunities this project will create for our area residents.”