Lacks Enterprises to expand, add jobs

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A $350,000 incentive will allow a Kent County company to expand and add 120 jobs during the next three years.

The $31.9 million expansion project is for Lacks Enterprises, Inc. in Cascade Township. The fourth-generation family owned business provides chrome plated exterior and interior parts for the automotive and appliance industries. It is located at 5460 Cascade Road SE.

The incentive from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will allow Lacks Enterprises to proceed with the development of a new manufacturing plant and additional warehouse space.

The new jobs will mostly be direct manufacturing, semi-skilled labor for people with at least a high school degree, Jim Green, executive director of human resources for Lacks Enterprises, told 24 Hour News 8.

The Right Place Inc., Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Cascade Charter Township on Wednesday announced the approval of the incentive. Cascade Township is supportive of this project and plans to approve tax abatements for Lacks Enterprises.

Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Kentucky, South Carolina and Virginia.

"Lacks is a vitally important player in our automotive supply chain with more than 2,200 employees here and their decision to expand in Michigan says much about our improved business climate," MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney said in a news release. "Our flexible incentive program, Michigan's simplified business tax structure and our new efforts to connect employers with talented workers, are propelling us to one of the best business climates in the country."

"The Lacks family is pleased to be able to provide additional premium employment opportunities for West Michigan residents and to continue to grow in West Michigan, as they have since 1961," said Green. "We were actively pursued by other states and based on the quality and caliber of the available work force in West Michigan, the business climate and cooperation from all of our business partners from the State of Michigan and The Right Place it was an easy decision to continue to grow in our own backyard."

"When most new jobs in West Michigan are created by existing businesses, it's that much more important to have a strong retention strategy. This announcement demonstrates the success of our business retention strategy, keeping companies like Lacks Enterprises growing in the region," said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc.

"We commend Lacks for choosing to expand in West Michigan instead of other states that were pursuing this opportunity. The Right Place is committed to ensuring that our region's companies continue to thrive, and through collaboration with our state and local partners like the MEDC and Cascade Charter Township, we are making it happen," Klohs added.

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Lacks Enterprises, Inc.

MEDC

The Right Place, Inc.