LANSING—Okemos-based Konnech Inc., a provider of election management software, plans an expansion and relocation of its headquarters to Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Officials at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced a $306,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to support the project. East Lansing was chosen over sites in Los Angeles and overseas for the expansion.
Founded in 1999 in East Lansing and incorporated in Okemos in 2002, Konnech provides programming, hosting, technical support, and training in election logistics services to cities and counties in the United States, as well as units of government in Canada and Australia. The expansion became necessary due to Konnech’s decision to onshore some of its contracted services.
Konnech will lease the second floor at 325 E. Grand River Ave. in downtown East Lansing from the Michigan State University Foundation.
“On behalf of the MSU Foundation, we want to officially welcome Konnech to the City Center building as they continue to grow and engage with our student and alumni community to create the next generation election systems around the world,” said Jeff Smith, director of real estate at the MSU Foundation.
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted Konnech in making connections and accessing programs to retain the company’s investment in the region, including Lansing Community College’s Business and Community Institute and Capital Area Michigan Works for workforce development, Michigan State University for connection with faculty and students, and the MEDC.
“Konnech is in rapid expansion mode to meet worldwide demand for our products and services,” said Eugene Yu, Konnech president. “With MEDC, LEAP, MSU, and LCC, and the local community’s support, Konnech is developing a world-class brand and bringing high-paying job opportunities to the Lansing region. Our new lease within the MSU Research Park will help us interact closely with MSU faculty and students. Through the MSU Innovation Center, Konnech is turning MSU technologies into cutting-edge products, which will greatly benefit the world. Our five-year goal if for Konnech to become a worldwide company name associated with Lansing, Michigan.”
Konnech plans to offer targeted internships with flexible schedules to area students, as well as high-wage jobs to employees with different levels of software knowledge.
Individuals interested in careers with Konnech should contact Dylan Polcyn at dylanp@konnech.com, or call (517) 381-1830 for more information.