Stonecraft producer moves manufacturing to Norton Shores

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Stonecraft manufacturer PolyCem hopes to achieve better efficiency in its operations by consolidating its Grand Haven headquarters, Norton Shores research facility and Mississippi manufacturing plant into a renovated factory space in Norton Shores.

PolyCem will continue its manufacture of custom-crafted flexible concrete tiles for floor and wall applications at the new location, 1271 Judson. Universities, hospitals and hotels often use the tiles in high traffic areas. Containing 50 percent recycled glass, the product can be virtually any color, cut to any shape and imprinted with custom artwork.

"For designers trying to create a custom space for commercial or high end residential, we can customize whatever they need," says Jameson Goorman, president. "Depending on the market I suspect we'll hire between 15 and 30 in the next year, and could have as many as 115 employees in the future."

The company currently has four West Michigan employees and 42 in Mississippi, but will not relocate any of the Mississippi employees.

PolyCem plans to hire experienced and entry level chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, process engineers, printer operators and line workers.

"The number of skilled engineers available in West Michigan is astounding," says Goorman. "And we have supporting companies in the area. Any expertise we need we can tap right here – material moving is just 20 minutes away, a rigging company is across the street, and we have access to metal fabricators. All of that increases our efficiencies and improves quality."

According to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, PolyCem will invest $5.6 million to relocate its manufacturing operations. The project received a Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit in April, valued at $791,333 over seven years. The City of Norton Shores approved a 10-year tax abatement of $9,600 annually.

Source: Jameson Goorman, PolyCem

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].