Adhesive manufacturer adding 60 jobs to Grand Rapids region

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI.) -  Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that tesa tape has relocated its headquarters from Charlotte, North Carolina to Grand Rapids. The relocation will develop better synergies with the company’s manufacturing operations in Sparta and its corporate functions. The company opened its new Grand Rapids location at 25 Ottawa Ave SW in late March and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.2 million and create 60 jobs. 

tesa tape, Inc. is a subsidiary of Germany-based tesa SE, a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive solutions serving the appliance, automotive, building supply, electronics, industrial, paper and print, and transportation industries. tesa plant Sparta began operating in 1982, the company’s first operations outside of Europe at the time. 

The company maintains a strong focus on sustainability and energy-saving processes while providing more than 7,000 adhesive solutions that help improve the work, products, and lives of its customers across a broad variety of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, construction, and more. 

The company currently employs 174 Michiganders and with this project it will bring an additional 60 high-wage, professional and corporate services jobs to Grand Rapids, solidifying the company’s future growth in the state.

“Global companies like tesa recognize the exceptional value and amenities that downtown Grand Rapids offers for their professional and corporate services employees,” said Jono Klooster, Acting Director of Economic Development, City of Grand Rapids. “The City of Grand Rapids is thrilled to see tesa tape’s continued investment and growth in West Michigan and looks forward to welcoming 60 high-wage jobs to the city.” 

The Right Place worked closely with the MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region. They offered support by effectively organizing state and local resources.  MEDC is supporting the project with a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. 

“We’re grateful to our partners at the MEDC and The Right Place for their efforts securing this important project, and for tesa’s significant investment and confidence in Grand Rapids as a great place to do business,” added Klooster. 

“By choosing to relocate their primary US corporate function to Grand Rapids, tesa is playing a pivotal role in fostering a more prosperous region for families and individuals in our community,” said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Attraction at The Right Place. “We’re grateful for their continued investment in our region.” 

Information on career opportunities with tesa can be found here.

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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 us on Facebook, and following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.