SnackCraft to expand in Kentwood; 2 other West Michigan firms also growing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Some performance-based grants will help a trio of West Michigan companies expand.

The Right Place economic-development agency says SnackCraft will enlarge its base at 4444 52nd St, near Broadmoor Ave. in Kentwood. That will generate 37 news jobs for the company, which makes baked and salty snacks. According to a news release from Clark Communication, it will also produce $29.9 million in capital investment. More details from the news release posted below.

Meanwhile, Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also announced expansions of the Uniform Color Company in Holland, and Profieldnorm U-S-A into Plainwell. She says the $12M expansion at Uniform Color will create 13 new jobs. And 32 new jobs will result from the expansion of Profieldnorm U-S-A in Plainwell. The state provided some performance-based grant funding for the projects.

Here is more information about the SnackCraft expansion taken from a ClarkCommunication news release:

SnackCraft LLC is a gluten-free, allergen-controlled contract manufacturer of baked and salty snack foods based in the City of Kentwood and is a subsidiary of Greece-based Unismack S.A. SnackCraft was established in Kentwood in 2022 as Unismack’s first North American manufacturing operations and its U.S. headquarters. The company is experiencing rapidly increasing demand for its products and plans to expand at its existing location.

First established in Greece in 2008, Unismack specializes in R&D and manufacturing high-quality, natural baked snacks free from allergens and artificial ingredients. SnackCraft’s products include baked crackers, tortilla chips, pellet snacks, and baked extruded snacks made of unique ingredients like lentil flour, chickpea flour, vegetable flours, whole grain corn, various seeds, and other innovative natural ingredients.

The company plans an 186,000-square-foot expansion resulting in 311,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution space. The project will further boost Michigan’s agribusiness industry and bring immediate, well-paying jobs to the area. In addition, the project will bring immediate good jobs to the area and serve as the hub for the company’s future operations in North America.

“The expansion demonstrates our commitment to the area and enables the future growth potential for both existing and new customer opportunities, as well as securing SnackCraft’s long-term food manufacturing platform,” said Joseph F. Riley, CEO of SnackCraft.

The Right Place worked closely with MEDC to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than an out-of-state location. They offered support by effectively organizing state and local resources, including a 50-percent property tax abatement supporting the project from the City of Kentwood. This project will further boost Michigan’s agribusiness industry and bring immediate, well-paying jobs to the area as SnackCraft grows its hub for future operations in North America.

"I connected with SnackCraft in early 2022 when they were in the process of establishing their first North American operations here in Kentwood," said Brent Case, VP of Business Attraction at The Right Place and project lead. "Being part of their journey, from the initial stages to helping with their expansion just over a year later, has been an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to see what’s in store for them moving forward."

“The City of Kentwood is proud of our open for business culture and our commitment to collaborating with local, national and international companies to create jobs and foster economic growth in our community,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “SnackCraft has been an excellent community partner, and we’re delighted to see the company continue to expand its operations and workforce in Kentwood and look forward to celebrating their continued success.” 

Information on careers with SnackCraft can be found here.

About The Right Place, Inc.

The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by The International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting rightplace.org, liking us on Facebook, and following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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