Irwin Seating Co. expansion brings 60 new jobs to Grand Rapids Area

 Walker-based Irwin Seating Co. will bring 60 new jobs to the Walker community in 2015 as part of a 50,000-square-foot renovation effort of existing manufacturing space to accommodate a new product line for movie theaters called the Spectrum Recliner Series, which boasts a higher quality upholstery and comfort than typical theater chairs, says Vice President of Business Development Graham Irwin.
 
The world's largest manufacturer of public seating for movie theaters, auditoriums, arenas, performing arts centers, and convention centers, Irwin Seating Co.'s new Spectrum Recliner Series will require not only a renovated space, but also an investment in new machinery and equipment, including additional training for new employees. 
 
With over 400 employees between its two locations in Grand Rapids and Altamont, Ill., 287 of its total employees work out of the Walker manufacturing plant at 3251 Fruit Ridge NW. Irwin says all of the 60 new hires will be at the Wyoming location to accommodate the expansion, and most will be full-time positions as the company embarks on a slow but steady hiring of new employees over the next three years as new production begins to increase as well.
 
"We're in the process; we've done some hiring but it's really a three-year plan to ramp up," Irwin says. "We'll be looking -- as we build up our capacity we'll be adding folks throughout the year."
 
The renovations, machinery investments and new hires are in large part thanks to a $300,000 Michigan Strategic Fund incentive approved earlier this month with the help of Grand Rapids-based nonprofit The Right Place, Inc. alongside its local and state partners.

"Irwin Seating Company and the Irwin family have long been a part of West Michigan's manufacturing and economic growth history," said The Right Place, Inc. President and CEO Birgit Klohs in a press release earlier this month. "We are pleased to see the company continue to grow, innovate, and reinvest in the region. The expansion project further demonstrates the manufacturing sector's continued growth in West Michigan." 

Founded in Wyoming way back in 1908, Irwin says the company's mission is as simple as serving its customers and acting as an economic engine in the community it was created by. 
 
"As we achieve success it's part of our values to share that with our stakeholders and our stakeholders are our employees, but we hope the community is one of our stakeholders, too," Irwin says. "As we're more successful we'd like to share that success with the community we're in."
 
For more information about Irwin Seating Co. or inquire about job openings, visit www.irwinseating.com or call 616-574-7400.
 
Written by Anya Zentmeyer
Images courtesy of Irwin Seating Company/The Right Place