A Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of heat-resistant products last week kicked off a project to expand a Michigan factory by more than 33%.
HarbisonWalker International, which says it is North America’s largest supplier of refractory products and services, said the $9 million investment in White Cloud, Michigan, will enable increased warehouse capacity and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment and hydraulic press systems.
Officials said the expansion is part of a strategy to bolster production at HWI sites that supply the steel industry as those companies increase capacity and upgrade their facilities.
“Historically, and especially in the past two years, the team at White Cloud has helped fuel our steel industry customers’ success by consistently delivering on their tremendous demand for the refractory products we produce here,” HWI CEO Carol Jackson said in a statement.
The project will be supported by a local government tax abatement, according to the western Michigan regional development group The Right Place.
The White Cloud plant currently employs about 140 workers.
