Manufacturer to create dozens of jobs with new facility in Norton Shores

NORTON SHORES, MI – A global automation manufacturer is expanding its North American capabilities by building a new facility in Norton Shores.

Rollon Corporation is constructing a $16 million, 147,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 1070 N. Gateway Blvd. in Norton Shores, the Greater Muskegon Economic Development Corporation announced Tuesday.

“This project is a major win for our community, bringing significant investment and creating valuable job opportunities in advanced manufacturing,” Marla Schneider, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development said in a statement. “Rollon’s decision to locate here is a testament to the strength of our workforce, our commitment to supporting businesses, and the overall attractiveness of Muskegon County as a place to live and work.”

Rollon manufactures linear motion systems for a variety of industries, including industrial automation, aerospace, medical equipment and material handling.

The Norton Shores facility specifically will produce linear components, actuators, robotic transfer units, multi-axis systems and gantries. It is expected to be operational in summer 2025.

“Rollon is proud to announce that we’re growing our manufacturing capabilities to optimize service for our customers,” CEO Rüdiger Knevels said in a statement. “We will be better positioned than ever to deliver Rollon linear guides, actuators, systems and gantries to customers in North and South America.”

The company also plans to use the Norton Shores facility to introduce new digital systems and smart manufacturing processes that would allow it to adjust quickly to meet changing customer demands and supply chain conditions.

The new facility is expected to add up to 43 new jobs. Rollon is partnering with West Michigan Works! and Muskegon Community College to provide training and development programs for future employees.

Construction of the over $16 million facility is offset by about $2.8 million in local incentives, including a 12-year property tax abatement approved by Norton Shores.

“The city of Norton Shores is pleased to welcome Rollon Corporation and their significant capital investment to our community,” Mayor Gary Nelund said in a statement. “The company’s decision to locate in Norton Shores will add new jobs and builds on the economic momentum we are experiencing in our industrial dark.”

That economic momentum includes GE Aerospace’s plans, disclosed in September, to expand its nearby manufacturing facility at 6060 Norton Center Drive by summer 2025.

Rollon also has operations in Italy, Germany, Spain and China; assembly and logistics divisions in India; and subsidiaries in France and the U.K.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Muskegon” daily newsletter.