The Right Place assists Italian manufacturer in selecting Grand Rapids area for first North American plant

The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Gaines Charter Township, has announced that Italian-based Siliconature Corporation will establish the company’s first North American manufacturing facility at 4495 68^th Street SE, Kentwood, Michigan 40548.

The company is investing approximately $20 million to develop the facility that is expected create at least 26 high-tech manufacturing jobs.

The MEDC is supporting the new development with the approval of a $286,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant

Gaines Charter Township approved the creation of an industrial development district for the property and is considering the approval of a PA 198 local tax abatement in support of the project.

Founded in 1987 and headquartered near Venice, Italy, Siliconature manufactures silicone coated release films that are used in the manufacture of adhesive tapes and labels for a wide range of manufacturing industries.

The company currently has manufacturing facilities in Italy & Asia. It also has a sales office in Chicago, but those operations will transfer to the Grand Rapids location. It’s increased North American sales that drove the company to explore a manufacturing operation in the United States.

At its first North American manufacturing facility, the company will make silicone coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films which are used in manufacturing of labels, adhesive tapes, and medical products for a wide range of manufacturing industries.

“Siliconature looks forward to moving its North American offices to Grand Rapids and starting up manufacturing here,” said David Arado, President, Siliconature Corporation. “The West Michigan area offers a great base of talent for manufacturing & technical jobs that are critical to our success. As well, the area offers the urban infrastructure of a larger city with natural & rural areas very nearby.”

The company began working with West Michigan-based NAI Wisinski in 2015. Soon after, NAI engaged The Right Place, Inc. as an added-value partner on the project. The company indicated that it was looking at competing sites in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. After understanding the company’s needs, The Right Place began its research of possible locations and even approached some local companies and organizations that could help with luring the company to the area.

Aside from NAI Wisinski, key partners in this effort to bring Siliconature to the region law firm Warner Norcross & Judd, the local offices of investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Gaines Charter Township and the MEDC.

“Our collaborative efforts indeed helped attract Siliconature to Grand Rapids,” said Therese Thill, vice president, business development, The Right Place, Inc. “As well, the Grand Rapids region has rapidly become a desirable location for advanced manufacturing companies due to our emerging stable of high-tech talent.”