Perrigo Bringing North American HQ, 170 High-Pay Jobs to Grand Rapids

Murray Kessler knows a good location when he sees one.

So when Kessler, president and CEO of self-care product provider Perrigo, was looking for a place to establish its North American headquarters, the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids looked like a pretty good bet.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Tuesday Perrigo’s plans to establish its North American Corporate Headquarters in Grand Rapids. The project is expected to generate some $44.7 million in private investment and create some 170 good-paying jobs for Michigan workers.

Whitmer said Perrigo’s decision “underscores the strength of Michigan’s business climate” and the state’s “talented workforce.”

“This is great news for Michigan workers, their families, and our economy as we continue to move forward with economic recovery and growth here in our state,” Whitmer said. 

Perrigo is a publicly traded, leading provider of quality, affordable self-care products and over-the-counter health and wellness solutions that enhance individual well-being by empowering consumers to proactively prevent or treat conditions that can be self-managed.

With more than $5 billion in annual sales expected this year, Perrigo employs more than 4,000 employees at its offices and manufacturing facilities in Allegan and Ottawa counties.  

Perrigo plans to house its U.S.-based executive team, as well as certain senior corporate functional and business unit leaders, in the Grand Rapids location. The company plans to move into a newly constructed facility within Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park in the city’s Medical Mile district.

“Our commitment to consumer self-care remains steadfast, and so, too, does our commitment to West Michigan,” Kessler said. “What is especially exciting … is the location within the world-renowned Medical Mile, which will allow Perrigo to leverage the expertise of healthcare and innovation thought leaders who share our passion for making self-care accessible, affordable and effective for all. We are thankful for all of those involved in making this project a reality, especially Governor Whitmer, The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC.” 

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As a result of the company’s investment and job creation, the project has been awarded a $2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Southeast Florida and a suburb of Chicago.  

In addition to bringing new jobs to Grand Rapids, the company offers a clear pathway to upward mobility for its employees, encourages personal and professional development, offers tuition reimbursement and incentives, and is creating professional-level as well as entry-level jobs in a geographically disadvantaged area.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Burton called Perrigo’s continued investment in Michigan “a clear example of our efforts to support projects that enable long-term prosperity for Michiganders.”

“This new headquarters facility means excellent jobs for our residents and highlights our advantages as a growing location for major headquarters,” Burton said. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support this investment as we work toward continued economic recovery for all Michiganders.” 

The city of Grand Rapids has offered to support the project with a property tax abatement valued at $1.5 million and a $140,000 one-year parking incentive for city-owned lots or ramps. Individuals interested in careers with Perrigo should visit https://www.perrigo.com/start-your-career-future-health

“This headquarters announcement solidifies the competitive advantage Grand Rapids provides to global companies like Perrigo,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We look forward to their enhanced investment and impact in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan region.” 

The Right Place worked closely with Perrigo, MEDC, Michigan State University, and other community partners to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. 

“Since 1996, Grand Rapids has been investing in its now world-renowned health industry cluster focused on improving the lives of consumers and patients,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. “The Medical Mile is a thriving hub for research and innovation and Perrigo’s decision to establish its North American Corporate Headquarters here further solidifies the Medical Mile and Downtown Grand Rapids as a destination for business success.”     

Today’s news builds on last September’s announcement that Acrisure, one of the top 10 insurance brokers worldwide, is relocating and expanding its headquarters to downtown Grand Rapids. When completed, the project is expected to generate an investment of $33 million. Acrisure has also committed to creating and maintaining a minimum of 400 new high-paying jobs, above the current statewide employment level of 873, with an average wage of $74,464.