$70M expansion will bring 125 jobs to Kalamazoo-area manufacturer

COMSTOCK, MI — Michigan is offering $2.5 million to a Comstock Township manufacturer, which is planning a $70 million expansion that will add 125 jobs.

Landscape Forms, established in 1969, specializes in manufacturing custom outdoor furniture.

Its products can be found in Olympic villages, university campuses and downtowns globally, said Brenda Stewart, Michigan Economic Development Corporation business development manager.

The company plans to build a new, 30,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current home at 7800 E. Michigan Ave. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation approved the $2.5 million grant on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

The $70 million building will expand manufacturing capacity in Michigan. The 125-plus new jobs will have wages starting above regional median wage.

Landscape Forms plans to break ground in the spring 2025 and be fully operational by early 2028.

It’ll be the company’s largest investment ever, said Marjorie Simmons, Landscape Forms’ CEO.

“It’s going to allow us to make bold strides forward with respect to our operational efficiency, company culture, our recruitment and retention efforts … as well as enhance our Michigan employer brand,” Simmons said.

Earlier this year, Comstock Township approved a property tax break for the project and Kalamazoo County approved a brownfield redevelopment plan that will save developers more than $3 million.

Due to high construction costs, state assistance is needed to ensure the company remains in Michigan, per state documents. The company has received competitive offers to expand its presence in Minnesota, California and Texas.

“This is a homegrown Comstock Township company that has grown in place while becoming a global leader in the outdoor furniture and placemaking space, providing significant job creation and investment through the years,” said Jill Bland, Southwest Michigan First executive vice president.

It’s investing in the community, too. Through K-12, tech and higher education partnerships, the company provides apprenticeship and internship opportunities, Bland said.

It also offers an in-house certified welding academy and an employee garden that produces more than 500 pounds of vegetables every year.

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