The German company will expand the plant it has operated at 4108 52nd Street SE for the past 19 years.
Swoboda Inc. announced it will create 37 new jobs as part of a $15 million expansion of its Kentwood plant. KENTWOOD, MI - They may be there, but don't look for Swoboda-made parts on your car or truck.
"You'll have to look inside the engine or transmission," said John Fuhs, vice president of sales and engineering for Swoboda Inc.
Swoboda, which makes high-precision metal and plastic parts for automotive electronic systems, is planning to make a lot more of those parts at the plant it has operated at 4108 52nd Street SE for the past 19 years.
The plans, announced Monday, March 7, call for creating 37 new jobs within three years and spending more than $15 million on a new 25,000 square foot addition. Swoboda currently employs 130 workers in its 69,000 square foot facility, Fuhs said.
"Since our start in Grand Rapids back in 1997, we have experienced continued growth and success," Fuhs, said. "Our presence here is a critical role in Swoboda's global strategy."
Swoboda chose Michigan over competing sites in China and Mexico, according to a news release issued by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
The expansion project has been awarded a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The city of Kentwood has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement.
The Right Place and West Michigan Works also supported the project with economic and workforce development tools, the news release said.
Founded in 1947 in Wiggensbach, Germany, Swoboda is a global, family-owned company that develops and manufactures high precision metal-plastic components for auto electronics. The company also operates plants in Romania, the Czech Republic, China and Mexico.
"Swoboda's decision to expand its Kentwood facility underscores Michigan's business-friendly environment and a manufacturing talent pool that can compete with any region in the world," MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said in a news release.
"This investment will provide good employment opportunities to Michigan residents and will create a long-term positive impact on the local economy."
Jim Harger covers business for Mlive Media Group. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.