The Wright stuff: DeWys investing nearly $7 million in township facility

A huge investment that expands a township manufacturing facility and adds jobs?

Count Wright Township in.

DeWys Manufacturing will invest nearly $7 million over three years in a 30,000-square-foot expansion to its existing 90,000-square-foot facility in Wright Township, creating 41 jobs at the Ottawa County Facility.

DeWys Manufacturing has been awarded a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant of $267,000 to support the project.

Wright Township officials are expected to approve a tax abatement for this expansion soon.

“Wright Township is very excited for the new expansion and the creation of several new jobs at DeWys Manufacturing,” said Wright Township Supervisor John Westgate. “They have been a great community partner and DeWys’s continued growth is a great asset to our community.”

Michigan vs Tennessee
DeWys Manufacturing, a complete metal solutions company focused on precision sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, product assembly and contract manufacturing, chose the Wright Township location over a site in Memphis, Tenn., for their expansion.  

“The (MDBP) grant provides additional leverage to expand in our state, while providing very important and rewarding careers in manufacturing,” DeWys CEO Jon DeWys said.

Lakeshore Advantage, the local economic development organization that assists employers in Ottawa and Allegan counties, has worked with DeWys on this project through connecting the company with local and state resources to support their growth. Lakeshore Advantage also  assisted in coordinating state and local permit approvals and site expansion options.  

“The earlier a company reaches out, the better we can help problem solve, make connections and streamline the expansion process,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Congratulations to DeWys Manufacturing on their growth, to Wright Township on the great manufacturing jobs being created locally, and to the partners involved who creatively identified solutions to enable this expansion in West Michigan.”

Creative solutions
One of those creative solutions involved the use of adjacent land for a retention pond needed to support the expansion. The proposed retention pond location is owned by Consumers Energy and requires Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approval for this use. Consumers Energy and DeWys Manufacturing worked together on engineering needs and a lease for this property.

 “Consumers Energy is proud to help facilitate DeWys Manufacturing’s expansion and advance the Lakeshore area’s growth and success,” said Lindsey Ballard, Economic Development Manager, Consumers Energy. “Together with Lakeshore Advantage, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and others, we’re glad to be part of a team to help DeWys and the region thrive.”

Pleased partners
Jeff Mason, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund, said DeWys’ decision to invest in Wright Township rather than another state means “good jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the state’s manufacturing talent.

“We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support this investment, and we look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and add jobs in West Michigan,” Mason said.