What’s happening: The Wayland-based agribusiness manufacturer Walinga USA is expanding its operations in the Allegan County community, building a new facility, renovating its current facility, and generating an expected 31 new jobs in the process. The planned $8.3 million development was recently awarded a $168,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant as a result of the local investment.
Who they are: Walinga USA is a subsidiary of the Ontario-based Walinga Inc.,
a manufacturer of pneumatic transportation systems and feed trailers for the livestock and agriculture industries. The Wayland location first opened in 1983 and currently counts 53 employees.
What they’re doing: Wayland’s Walinga has purchased the parcel next to its current location, where it will build a new facility and update its current one. The expanded operations should result in 31 new jobs, per the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Visit Walinga USA online to learn about job opportunities in Michigan.
How they’re doing it: Walinga has been awarded a 168,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program (MMBDP) performance-based grant from the MEDC in support of the project. The MMBDP is a business growth program from the MEDC that especially encourages projects in rural areas, places with high employment, and target industries.
Why it’s important: “Michigan’s robust food and agriculture sector is poised for long-term growth supporting and creating good-paying jobs throughout the state. Today’s Walinga USA announcement is a shining example of the important role our rural communities play in Michigan’s economic future,” says Tim Boring, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I am excited to have Walinga USA call Michigan home and am 100 percent in favor of making easier for our state farmers to buy from Michigan companies.”
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