LANSING — The Michigan Strategic Fund is supporting the expansion of a global automotive supply company in Kentwood, a project that is expected to generate more than $15 million in private investment and create 37 jobs within three years, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced.
Founded in 1947, Swoboda is a global, family-owned company that develops and manufactures high precision metal-plastic components for auto electronics. The company plans to expand its facility in the city of Kentwood, investing more than $15 million and creating 37 jobs within three years. As a result, the project has been awarded a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in China and Mexico. The city of Kentwood has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. In addition, other MEDC partners – The Right Place and West Michigan Works – have supported this project with economic and workforce development assistance.
“Since our start in Grand Rapids back in 1997, we have experienced continued growth and success,” said John Fuhs, vice president of sales and engineering for Swoboda. “Our presence here is a critical role in Swoboda’s global strategy. The support and assistance we have received from The Right Place, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, West Michigan Works!, the City of Kentwood, and other organizations in the area make West Michigan an ideal place to grow our business.”
Individuals interested in career opportunities with Swoboda should visit www.swoboda.de/Careers/Jobs/51/en.
For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org. Michigan residents interested in seeking employment with any of Michigan’s growing companies should check mitalent.org, where more than 97,000 jobs are currently available in a variety of industries.