• Gen3 Defense and Aerospace investing $8.7 million to expand in Kent County, creating up to 269 high-wage jobs
• Leading pump manufacturer to add 50 jobs and invest $7 .3 million in upcoming expansion
The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that electronic and autonomous vehicle solution provider, Gen3 Defense & Aerospace, will be expanding its operations in Greater Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of $8.69 million, the expansion will bring 269 new jobs to the area. As well, Blackmer®, part of PSG®, a Dover company, will be expanding its operations at 1809 Century Ave SW in Grand Rapids. In addition to a capital investment of over $7 million, the company will bring 50 new jobs to the West Michigan community.
“As we jumpstart Michigan’s economy, these projects demonstrate our continued focus on laying a path for economic growth and recovery in all regions of our state,” said Governor Whitmer (left). “Today’s actions will lead to economic opportunity for Michiganders in West Michigan, by creating jobs, building on our rich manufacturing heritage in key industries, and supporting business growth here in our state.”
Gen3 Defense and Aerospace expanding into new location in Kent County, further boosting Michigan as a defense hub
Founded in 2020, Gen3 Defense and Aerospace, LLC is an engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain solution provider, headquartered in Grand Rapids with a primary focus on newly developed autonomous military and aerospace programs.
Gen3 recently secured a large five-year contract and needs to grow its West Michigan team to maintain and expand its capabilities in robotics systems development. The company is expanding into a larger facility in Kent County that will allow for increased manufacturing capacity and additional team members. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $8.7 million and create up to 269 high-wage jobs, resulting in a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Florida.
The project will continue to grow Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector and will further boost the state as a hub for defense-related manufacturing and R&D. Gen3 promotes from within and offers on-the-job training to its employees, and will bring a large number of pathway jobs to the region as a result of the expansion.
“Our team is excited to begin taking on new opportunities as we continue growing in west Michigan.” said Gen3 Defense and Aerospace General Manager Mark Wells. “We plan to continue in the high-tech robotics space and we’ll need a strong, talented team to achieve that. We’re thankful for all of the support The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC provided to make this expansion a reality here in West Michigan.”
The Right Place has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with Gen3, visit https://mkbholdings.bamboohr.com/jobs/.
Global pump manufacturer Blackmer constructing new facility in Grand Rapids, creating 50 jobs
Blackmer plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids where it will house assembly, paint, and shipping functions. Parent company PSG expects to invest more than $7 million in the project which will create up to 50 high-wage jobs with the support of a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in other states.
Blackmer has been creating jobs in Grand Rapids since 1925, paying its employees strong wages and benefits. The jobs that will be created through this expansion include engineering, customer service, purchasing and planning, and operations management as well as skilled trades positions. Blackmer participates in and supports city and neighborhood revitalization efforts, and actively recruits disadvantaged and underrepresented populations through its current staffing strategies. The company is committed to utilizing Michigan suppliers and has a strong desire to expand further in Michigan in the future.
Quotes“Greater Grand Rapids has served as a community where companies like Gen3 and Blackmer are able to embrace growth opportunities that bolster continued success and prosperity,” said President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., Randy Thelen, (left) “We are thrilled these two companies are continuing to grow here in the community and look forward to the increased economic opportunity these projects will bring to our residents.”
“Greater Grand Rapids has served as a community where companies like Gen3 and Blackmer are able to embrace growth opportunities that bolster continued success and prosperity,” said Senior Business Development Manager for The Right Place, Inc., Jennifer Wangler, “We are thrilled that these two companies are continuing to grow here in the Grand Rapids community and look forward to the increased economic opportunity these projects will bring to our residents.”
“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.”
“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 has offered staff, time, and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with Blackmer, visit http://psgdovercareers.com/.
“These projects reflect our commitment to taking a holistic, people-first approach to economic development while securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will drive our economy into the future,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board (left). “We’re proud to join The Right Place and our local partners as we send the message that we are working to build a championship economy here in West Michigan.”
About Gen3 Defense and Aerospace
Gen3 Defense and Aerospace is an electronic and autonomous vehicle solution provider headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. The company was founded in 2020, with a primary focus on newly developed military and aerospace programs.
About Blackmer
Blackmer®, part of PSG®, a Dover company, designs, manufactures, and distributes rotary pumps, gas compressors, and centrifugal pumps for a variety of industries including chemical, energy, transportation, military, marine, and oil and gas. Since 1903, Blackmer pumps and compressors have been helping customers optimize productivity and profitability while improving safety and environmental protection in the global chemical process, energy, transport, military & marine, general industrial, and oil & gas markets. Learn more about how Blackmer is passionately commitment to innovative technologies that positively impact the world at psgdover.com/blackmer.
About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. The Right Place drives current and long-term economic prosperity in West Michigan through the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to retain, expand, and attract businesses. This includes connecting area businesses to national and international resources, identifying emerging growth opportunities, strengthening the competitiveness of area firms, and marketing the region globally. The International Economic Development Council has designated The Right Place as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Find out more by visiting www.rightplace.org, liking us on facebook.com, and following us on twitter @TheRightPlaceGR
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.