Grand Rapids Foam Technologies (GRFT), a family-owned polyurethane manufacturing and distribution business out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has finalized negotiations to expand their operation to McAllen, TX. With an investment of approximately $2.5 million USD, they have leased over 46,000 square feet from Verde Realty in the Sharyland Business Park, and will begin production this summer as a state-of-the-art foam molding, fabricating, upholstery, and assembly facility. With this investment, GRFT plans to create over 150 jobs once the operation is in full production.
GRFT boasts over 64 years of experience in the business, and is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing some of the highest quality flexible polyurethane products available. Their products can be found in items like home/commercial/office furniture, bedding, packaging, medical equipment, theatre and arena seats, and other items in the hi-tech, aerospace, and transportation industries.
Through this expansion, GRFT will modify their name for the McAllen location to Grand Rapids Foam Technologies - South Texas Operations. As the name implies, they will use this operation to not only service a current customer base located in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, but they will use this opportunity to offer their products to other companies in the McAllen/Reynosa bi-national industrial market and beyond.
Besides servicing existing clients and growing their customer base in the established industrial market in our region, executives at GRFT - South Texas Operations saw a huge advantage in settling here in McAllen, given the bilingual talent and manufacturing resources that exist in the area.
“The synergy we have seen in this market between the industrial community, the education sector, and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation has really convinced us that the area as a whole is truly invested in helping companies succeed for the benefit of those operations and the people of the community.” Ben Amann, President of GRFT – South Texas Operations.
With GRFT’s focus on product development and engineering, custom and rapid-response manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and a genuine interest in the development of their employees and their families, McAllen seemed like the obvious choice. GRFT South Texas Operations brings a creed of world class quality, consistent deliverability, and exceptional customer service; all qualities that our community definitely welcomes with open arms.
“We are extremely excited to have Grand Rapids Foam Technologies in McAllen! Their manufacturing process has the capability to service many existing companies in our area, and create a good amount of jobs. After all, recruiting industry to McAllen and creating jobs in our city are our top priorities.” Janie Cavazos, Vice President of Business Recruitment, U.S.A. for McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
GRFT South Texas Operations is actively seeking qualified applicants for all positions. Please contact McAllen Economic Development Corporation at info@mcallenedc.org for more information, or Human Resources at GRFT directly at twright@grft.com.
For more information on GRFT, please visit them at www.grft.com.