Getman Corp. to expand in Comstock Twp

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Getman Corporation announced Wednesday plans to open its second manufacturing facility in southwest Michigan.

The global supplier of mobile equipment to the mining industry plans to invest more than $6 million in building renovations, machinery and equipment at 3030 Kersten Court in Comstock Township, according to a news release.

The new facility in Kalamazoo County is expected to open in January.  

The company currently employs 165 skilled workers in Bangor in Van Buren County.

The project will result in almost the doubling of its current workforce with the creation of 150 manufacturing jobs related to the underground mining equipment industry. The expansion is a result of increased mining around the world for industrial and precious metals, officials said.

The company considered alternate locations in northern Indiana, but selected Comstock Township based on the availability of skilled industrial craft people and proximity to its headquarters located in Bangor.

"Expanding our workforce and facilities is critical to meeting the growing demand for our product as we strive to become the globally preferred partner in our class of equipment.  We are proud to be part of the Southwest Michigan community and look forward to laying a foundation for growth in Comstock Township," said Erik VanAllen, president and chief executive officer of Getman Corporation.

The Charter Township of Comstock has offered a financial commitment to the project in the form of a 50% tax abatement on personal property for six years valued at $84,928. Additional incentives have been offered by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board as part of its Michigan Business Development Program in the form of a performance-based grant valued at $300,000.

"We are very pleased that the Getman Corporation expansion is occurring in our community. A business expansion allows an existing organization to experience new possibilities and overall growth. The Township staff stands ready to assist with any of their expansion needs. A healthy and vibrant local economy depends on the well-being of our businesses. Comstock Township's goal is to work hard and provide a great working environment so all our businesses can succeed," stated Comstock Township Supervisor Ann Nieuwenhuis.

Founded in South Haven in 1971, Getman Corporation is a third generation company known worldwide for the safety, durability and efficiency associated with its extensive line of production and production support equipment which include explosives chargers, utility vehicles and coal equipment. Through its network of distributors, it sells and supports its products on six continents, offering exceptional product solutions and following up with world class aftermarket support.

"Southwest Michigan First applauds Getman Corporation for making this significant commitment to the future of the region from a jobs perspective. In the short term, we will realize the obvious benefits of 150 new jobs. In the long term, the regional workforce will benefit from intrinsic technology transfer from Getman's advanced manufacturing processes," said Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First.

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More information on career opportunities is available on the company website at http://www.getman.com