Increased customer demand for locally made Buell Super CruiserTM model fuels company’s need for 162 new jobs and expanded facilities
The Right Place, Inc., in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced Buell Motorcycle plans to expand its operations with a $18.5 million investment over the next three years. The company intends to acquire a 120,000 SF building that adjoins the company’s existing facility at 2700 Patterson Avenue Southeast in Cascade Charter Township. This project will create 162 new jobs.
The MEDC is supporting the initiative with a $972,000 grant from the Michigan Business Development Program. The company is also receiving $646,280 from Michigan Works! for job training. The company expects starting wages of $26.44 per hour plus benefits, about the regional media wage of $21.97 per hour.
Founded in 1983 by former Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell, the company has experienced rapid growth and demand for its Super Cruiser model. As the company looked at expansion, including out-of-state options, it chose its headquarters location as the most suitable.
“We are grateful to The Right Place and MEDC and all they do to help growing businesses like ours create jobs,” said Bill Melvin, Buell Motorcycle Chief Executive Officer. “We are not a multi-conglomerate; we’re a privately-owned company investing in our and the future of Michigan manufacturing. The Right Place and MEDC understand the opportunities and challenges that arise from those efforts and consistently offer a variety of helpful solutions. This is why Michigan is the best state in the country for us to grow!”
The Right Place worked closely with the MEDC to ensure the company’s continued growth in the region. They offered support by effectively organizing state and local resources, including the Michigan Business Development Program Incentive.
“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.”
About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by The International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting rightplace.org, liking on Facebook, and following on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Contact:
Craig Clark
(616) 550-2736
craig@clarkcommunication.com
