A longtime Escanaba company has expanded to Marquette.
Lakestate Industries makes products like wood furniture and firestarters, and provides services including office work, janitorial services and paper shredding--all while offering vocational training to people with disabilities.
Lakestate has been operating in Escanaba for decades, but just opened a location in Marquette on July 1. So Marquette residents can expect to see its signature product, the made-from-recycled-material Yooper Firestarters, a lot more often around town, and people with mental or physical disabilities should check out what Lakestate offers, as well.
The nonprofit company was founded 40 years ago to help train disabled people for employment. It also contracts out services with other employers.
Employees of Lakestate are assessed for what type of job they will be best at, and are paid for their work. About 50 people are already working at the new Marquette location, which is on U.S. 41 West near the Perkins restaurant. The location, however, is temporary, as Lakestate looks for a larger building.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Lakestate Industries
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