​The Right Place attracts California manufacturer to West Michigan

Regional economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., along with its local and state partners in the City of Kentwood, today announced the approval of a $400,000 Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) incentive that will bring 73 new jobs and nearly $4.2 million in new investment to Kentwood, Michigan over the next three years.

Sacramento, California-based Stikwood plans to expand the company’s operations to the City of Kentwood, MI. This new facility will allow Stikwood to increase production of its namesake product, as well as launch a new product currently in development.

“Stikwood has been an amazing story of growth for us,” said Laura McCall, CEO and Owner, Stikwood. “We’re excited to begin the next chapter of Stikwood’s story in West Michigan, a region known for its strong manufacturing heritage. The economic support, talented workforce, and great quality of life make the region an ideal place to locate our new facility, and we look forward to joining the West Michigan community.”

Stikwood is the world’s first “Peel & Stik” reclaimed and sustainable wood planking. Founded in 2012 by Jerry and Laura McCall, the company is the product of a deeply held belief that design can be both beautiful and resourceful. Made from reclaimed and sustainable woods sourced from various locations in the U.S., Stikwood products include Peel and Stik wood planking and wall art for the commercial and residential design markets.

“Attracting Stikwood to West Michigan was extremely competitive,” said Therese Thill, Vice President, Business Development, The Right Place, Inc. and lead for the project. “We competed with Utah, Texas, and Tennessee for this project before ultimately winning Stikwood’s business.”

The City of Kentwood is pleased with company’s location decision, which will bring 73 new jobs to the community.

"The City of Kentwood is thrilled to have Stikwood’s new operations located in Kentwood,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We look forward to assisting them as they make the transition into their new facility.”

“The Right Place continues to lead West Michigan’s economic growth strategy by both assisting West Michigan’s existing business community and attracting new companies like Stikwood to the region,” said Richard Breon, President and CEO, Spectrum Health and Current Board Chair, The Right Place, Inc. “With this latest economic development project, The Right Place, working with its local and state partners, has generated $222 million in capital investment and assisted in the creation of 554 jobs in West Michigan in 2016.”

About The Right Place, Inc.

The Right Place, Inc., is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and technology in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. For more information, visit: www.rightplace.org

About Stikwood

Stikwood is the world’s first Peel & Stik reclaimed and sustainable wood planking. Founded in 2012 by Jerry and Laura McCall, the company is the product of a deeply held belief that design can be both beautiful and resourceful. Stikwood products include Peel and Stik wood planking and wall art ideal for the commercial and residential design markets. Made from reclaimed and sustainable woods sourced from various locations in the U.S., Stikwood products boast the natural beauty that only time and the forces of nature can provide. For more information, visit: www.stikwood.com

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