Coastal Container is investing $25 million to expand its operations.
Coastal Container Corp., a full-service provider of packaging supplies serving multiple industries — including agriculture, automotive, e-commerce, and food and beverage — is investing $25 million to expand its operations in the city of Holland.
The company is expanding at its existing facility in Holland, where it will add about 65,000 square feet of manufacturing space, install a new state-of-the-art corrugator, and construct a new rail spur for the delivery of paper rolls.
This project is expected to create at least 62 jobs, while also eliminating the consumption of over 150,000 gallons of diesel fuel and more than 1 million miles of truck traffic per year.
“Our family has been in the corrugated business for 60 years now,” says Coastal Container CEO Brent Patterson. “In these past couple of years, Coastal Container has seen tremendous growth, which allows us to make this expansion to better serve our customers and community.”
Connecting to local resources
Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization that assists employers with growth opportunities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, connected the company with local resources to support this project.
“To see this local, family-owned company continue to thrive is exciting,” says Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage president. “We congratulate Coastal Container on their continued success.”
Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) is supporting the project through a Michigan Business Development Program grant valued at $264,000.
“This project is another win for West Michigan and all of Michigan. We are grateful to the governor and legislators for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program, as a vital tool to secure new jobs and investments,” says Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC, and president and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) provided the company with a Freight Economic Development Program grant valued at $995,000.
“MDOT’s program seeks to enhance the economic viability of Michigan’s rail system by helping companies connect to it. The projected freight volume associated with the Coastal Container expansion project should help ensure rail continues to be a viable transportation option for commodity movement across the state and the nation,” says state Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba.
Beyond financial assistance
West Michigan Works! is providing support through a Workforce Training and Hiring Plan valued at $77,030.
“We are proud to be part of an effort to support local business growth, leading to increased quality job opportunities for talent and a qualified workforce for Coastal Container,” says Amy Lebednick, West Michigan Works! business solutions director.
The city of Holland is getting behind the project in the form of a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption.
“The city of Holland is pleased to support Coastal Container as they expand their operations and invest back into their business and their workforce in Holland,” said Keith Van Beek, Holland city manager.
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is providing assistance to the company through a Michigan New Jobs Training Program valued at $400,000, and the Holland Board of Public Works is aiding the expansion through an Economic Development Incentive Rider, whose value is still undetermined.
“GRCC continues to be relevant and responsive to the needs of employers and residents in our region," GRCC President Bill Pink says. "Economies thrive when there is a skilled workforce ready to tap into opportunities for rewarding careers. We provide training that helps residents be ready for evolving fields and technologies. The Coastal Container project and our partnership with Lakeshore Advantage are a perfect example of the role GRCC plays in helping everyone grow stronger.”
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