Grand Rapids, MI — Blackmer®, part of PSG® will be expanding its operations at 1809 Century Ave SW in Grand Rapids, Michigan and investing over $7 million. The company will bring 50 new jobs to the West Michigan community.
Operating in Grand Rapids since 1925, Blackmer is the leading global provider of innovative, high-quality sliding vane, centrifugal, screw and regenerative turbine pump, and reciprocating gas compressor technologies for the safe transfer of liquids and gases. The company, which currently employs 250 full-time people at its Grand Rapids location, designs, manufactures, and distributes its products to variety of industries including chemical, energy, transportation, military, marine and oil and gas.
To accommodate continued growth and its recent acquisitions, Blackmer plans to demolish an obsolete and dormant foundry at its existing location in Grand Rapids and construct a new manufacturing facility. The planned 60,000 square foot facility will house assembly, paint, and shipping functions, and allow for the creation of 50 jobs.
“Our team is incredibly excited to continue growing and evolving our operations in the West Michigan region,” said Blackmer General Manager, Bob Lauson. “We’ve called the Grand Rapids community home for nearly a century, and it continues to be an ideal location for us to expand our footprint. We’re thankful to the team at The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC for the support they have provided get this project over the finish line. In addition, the City of Grand Rapids has been a pleasure to deal with and has been very supportive of the project.”
The Right Place worked closely with Blackmer, the City of Grand Rapids and the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations. The MEDC is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“Blackmer’s decision to continue its growth in the City of Grand Rapids is a testament to the economic strength of our region,” said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “Our city continues to be a location where innovative businesses are able to grow and thrive.”
To view and apply for job openings at Blackmer, visit psgdovercareers.com/.
