GRAND RAPIDS, MICH (July 24, 2019): Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Kentwood, announced that Roskam Baking Company will be expanding its operations at 5565 Broadmoor Ave SE in Kentwood, Michigan. This expansion will result in the creation of 238 new jobs and a capital investment of $85.2 million.
Roskam is headquartered in Kentwood and was founded in 1923 as a family-owned bakery in Grand Rapids. Today, the company is still owned and operated by the Roskam family, employs over 2,000 in West Michigan, and is a manufacturer for major food companies and brands around the country. The expanded facility will house two new product lines for the company as a result of contracts earned in 2018.
The Right Place worked in collaboration with Roskam Baking Company and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. The Right Place also connected Roskam Baking Company 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 $1,000,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“This project is an excellent win for our region in terms of jobs, investment, and overall economic impact,” said Eric Icard, Senior Business Development Manager and project lead, “West Michigan’s food processing industry is a national leader, and Roskam Baking Company’s decision to continue its growth here is a testament to our region’s strength.”
The City of Kentwood is supportive of Roskam’s decision to expand in the city, which will bring new jobs to the community. The city is considering the approval of a local PA 198 Property Tax Abatement.
“We appreciate Roskam Baking Company’s further investment in the City of Kentwood,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We are proud to see a world-leading food processing company have continued success and bring new jobs to the community.”
About Roskam Baking Company
Roskam Baking Company was founded in Grand Rapids in 1923 by the Roskam family. Originally operating as a pie bakery serving West Michigan, today the company has expanded to a broad range of capabilities serving major food companies and brands throughout North America.
About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit 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.
