Grand Rapids Reporter

Gentex, a worldwide leader in innovative automotive and advanced technologies has announced that it will expand its Zeeland campus.

A joint announcement was made this week by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that Gentex had agreed to spend $300 million on new construction in Zeeland, a press release from the governor’s office said.

“The city of Zeeland congratulates Gentex once again on their growth, and we especially thank them for choosing to expand their operations in the Zeeland area,” Tim Klunder, Zeeland City manager, said in the release. “We are blessed and fortunate to have a corporate partner such as Gentex that desires to be in our community. Their ability to offer excellent jobs to people in our area is exciting and further solidifies what makes them such a tremendous asset for our community!”

The expansion is expected to facilitate 500 well-paying jobs and is being backed by the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“Gentex’s $300 million investment creating 500 good-paying jobs will grow Michigan’s economy and help us continue leading the future of mobility and electrification,” Whitmer said in the release. “We can attract bold investments from cutting-edge firms like Gentex because of our bipartisan collaboration on economic development legislation last year, which has already led to billions of dollars in investment in Michigan and thousands of jobs. Gentex is a longstanding Michigan company, and we are grateful to them for expanding their presence in Michigan. Let's keep working together to grow our economy, build on our rich automotive legacy, and create good-paying, high-skill jobs for Michiganders.”

Whitmer noted that the company has a rich history in the state and will contribute to its historic legacy in the automotive industry.  

“The growth occurring at Gentex and their continued investment in Zeeland Township and the City of Zeeland is exciting,” Tom Oonk, Zeeland Charter Township supervisor, said in the release. “Zeeland Charter Township is pleased to support this expansion and the benefits it will provide to our community.”

Steve Downing, president and CEO of Gentex Corporation, said that the investment will go toward constructing new buildings and equipment over the next three years to back their initiatives.