MEDC announces three Make it in Michigan successes in Kent County

• Buell Motorcycles announces expansion, creating 162 jobs in Cascade Township
• Wolverine Worldwide announces renovation and expansion, create 100 jobs.
• Placemaking project to revitalize downtown Lowell

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced three Kent County ‘Make It in Michigan’ investment projects. In total, over $28 million of capital investment is being announced for Kent County. In addition, the two business expansion projects will result in the creation of 262 new, well-paying jobs: Buell Motorcycles will be expanding their production capabilities by investing $18.5 million in Cascade Township, while footwear company Saucony is announcing their plans to relocate from Boston to Michigan, investing $9 million and creating 100 jobs. Meanwhile, Developer Rogers Leasing is announcing their plans to redevelop a downtown Lowell building for mixed use, adding housing and vibrancy to the area.

"Today signifies an incredible day for Kent County, as we announce not one, but three impactful economic development projects. These initiatives reflect West Michigan’s shared vision for a thriving, resilient future—bringing new jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening the regional economy,” noted Matt McCauley, SVP of Regional Development at the MEDC. “Together, they are a powerful statement of our ongoing commitment to execute our Make It in Michigan economic development strategy."

Kent County continues to be a high-growth area for investment, revitalization, innovation and economic development in general in the region. Since October 1^st, 2024, the MEDC’s partnership with businesses and developers of all sizes, local DDAs, community organizations, and public private partners has resulted in over $1.5 billion in capital investment, helping commit to the creation of 4,181 new jobs in the county.

 

Buell Motorcycles announces expansion, creating 162 jobs in Cascade Township

Buell Motorcycle Co., an iconic brand in the motorcycle world located in Cascade Township, is experiencing major customer traction and interest since reviving its iconic brand and is working to establish itself as the world’s premier U.S.-made performance and lifestyle motorcycle brand by 2030. To realize its vision and capitalize on increased consumer interest, Buell will invest $18,500,000 to purchase real estate, invest in building renovations, and buy new special tooling, machinery, and equipment.

"We are grateful for the MEDC and all they are doing to help growing businesses like ours create jobs. We are not a multi-conglomerate; we’re a privately owned company that is investing in our future and in the future of Michigan manufacturing," said Bill Melvin, CEO, Buell Motorcycle. "The MEDC understands the opportunities and challenges that go with those efforts and consistently comes to the table with a variety of solutions to help. This is just one more reason why Michigan is the best state in the country for us to grow!”

This announcement comes with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) through a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in the amount of $972,000. The expansion project is also expected to generate 162 new jobs in Cascade Township with starting wages of $26.44 per hour plus benefits, above the regional median wage of $21.97 per hour.

“The Right Place is excited that Buell Motorcycles chose to expand their operations here in the Grand Rapids area,” said Tristan Reuben, Business Development Coordinator at The Right Place. “Our region’s skilled talent pool, strong work ethic, and supportive business climate all influenced their decision to grow right here.”

Since moving to Michigan, the company has continued to see increases in production demand. With the pre-order success of the Super Cruiser, the company was looking for partners and programs to support the company’s growth plans. Through discussions with the MEDC, the company was previously provided with nearly $4 million of collateral support on an $8 million working capital line of credit. Read more about the company’s path. 

Learn about careers with Buell here. 

 

Wolverine Worldwide to Conduct $9 Million Renovation and Expansion of Global Headquarters in Rockford, create 100 jobs.

Running shoe brand Saucony will call Michigan home with the help of a $1 million performance-based Michigan Business Development Program grant to parent company Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. to update and modernize its headquarters in the City of Rockford (Kent County). The multi-phase project involves an investment of at least $9 million in the City of Rockford towards workspaces dedicated to collaboration, product design, technical development, and R&D, and anticipates creating up to 100 new jobs paying at least $26.44 per hour, well above the regional median wage of $21.97.

“Wolverine Worldwide was founded in West Michigan in 1883, and – while our products are sold around the world today, – we couldn’t be more proud to call Rockford our hometown,” said Chris Hufnagel, President & Chief Executive Officer of Wolverine Worldwide. “We value our partnership with the State of Michigan and are very grateful for its support as we innovate and modernize our global headquarters. This important renovation will allow us to attract world-class talent to West Michigan and help create an amazing place to work for our teams – all in pursuit of creating products and experiences that make our consumers’ lives better.”

The first phase of this investment is a newly renovated space called The Factory, which will be the new home to the Company’s two largest brands - Merrell and Saucony. Saucony has been based in Massachusetts since at least 1968, marking a significant shift for its operations to be wholly based in Michigan, especially for Michigan’s growing outdoor recreation industry. Recently released federal data shows Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy grew by more than $1 billion from 2022-2023, and is up about 23% ($2.6 billion), over the last five years. This economy also contributed $13.9 billion in value-add in 2023, supporting more than 118,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in compensation to employee households – the largest reported value-add gross domestic product (GDP) since the federal government began reporting the data in 2012.

“I am excited that Wolverine Worldwide is showing its confidence in the Grand Rapids area with this expansion,” said Eric Icard, Senior Director of Business Development at The Right Place. “While the company operates on a global scale, Rockford has been its home for over 140 years. This investment in its corporate headquarters reflects our region's capacity to grow and attract top-level talent."

Wolverine Worldwide was founded in Rockford in 1883 and remains a top employer in Kent County. The company employs about 3,100 individuals across the world, with 750 people (nearly 25%) based in Michigan alone. For more information on careers with Wolverine Worldwide, visit the company’s website.

 

Placemaking project to revitalize downtown Lowell

Rogers Leasing is announcing their plans to redevelop an existing building at 317 E. Main in downtown Lowell. The project will redevelop a 4,135 square-foot, two-story commercial property into a mixed-use facility with the family-owned Rogers Neighborhood Realty Inc. occupying the first floor and two rental housing units on the second floor.

“We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to revitalize this 115-year-old building in historic downtown Lowell. By transforming the upper space that has been unused for the past 50 years, we’ll be adding two much-needed housing units—contributing to local housing solutions while preserving the charm of our vibrant downtown,” noted Amanda Rogers, Broker & Owner, Rogers Neighborhood Realty. “Soon, two more families will have the chance to enjoy all that Lowell’s downtown lifestyle has to offer.”

The project in total is expected to result in $678,822 in capital investment with support from the MSF in the form of a Build MI Community Grant Initiative award in the amount of $210,999. BMC grants are state incentives available to support small-scale, incremental redevelopment projects in Michigan communities, focusing on activating vacant spaces and promoting private investment. This project will increase rental housing in the downtown market and create additional density in an extremely walkable part of the city.

"The City of Lowell welcomes the $678,822 investment in 317 E. Main by Rogers Leasing, supported by a $210,999 Build MI Community (BMC) Grant," said Michael Burns, Lowell City Manager. "This project will revitalize a key downtown space, add rental housing, and enhance walkability. We appreciate Rogers Neighborhood Realty Inc.'s commitment to our community."

In addition to MSF support, the Lowell Historic District Commission is providing grant funds of $6,224 for exterior improvements. With that additional support, this small-scale redevelopment project can come to life and help fulfil the city and states commitment to helping create vibrant communities of all sizes in every corner of the state.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.