Newell Brands plans expansion at BTR Park
A business acquisition means more design work for New Brands and an expansion in Kalamazoo.
The Newell Brands Inc. acquisition of the consumer products company Jarden is proving to be good news for Kalamazoo. The business move means Newell needs to expand its design capabilities to accommodate the additional product lines.
Newell plans to expand its current product design and testing facility in Kalamazoo with a $7.3 million investment that is expected to create 87 design jobs.
As a result of the expansion, the company has been awarded a $1.48 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites. The city of Kalamazoo will consider on Oct. 2 a 12-year tax abatement valued at $1.5 million.
Newell Rubbermaid acquired Jarden for over $15 billion of cash and stock in a deal completed in April 2016. The company subsequently changed its name to Newell Brands.
“The decision of Newell Brands to expand in Southwest Michigan versus other global centers shows the value its leadership team places on our region as a hub for design talent,” says Ron Kitchens, senior partner of Southwest Michigan First. “We look forward to growing our creative community with the innovation these 87 new jobs bring and continuing our growing relationship with the company.”
Newell Brands Inc. is a global manufacturer of consumer and commercial products that are marketed under a portfolio of brands, including Rubbermaid, Graco, Aprica, Levolor, Calphalon, Goody, Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, Parker, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, and Lenox.
Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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