Howie’s Hockey Tape, the maker of hockey accessories based in Grand Rapids, MI, is expanding to Gaines Charter Township. The company is moving out of its warehousing and distribution facility in Kentwood and building a new facility at 6658 East Paris Drive in Caledonia to include office and warehouse space.
The plans also include $6 million in capital investment and creating 45 new jobs.
Beyond hockey tape and accessories, the company also offers rock climbing, downhill skiing, football, baseball, tennis, golf products and apparel.
Howie’s Hockey Tape also reported plans to improve its facilities and processes to continue growing to meet increasing demand from its NHL, NFL and NCAA customers.
“Growing up in Eastown, Grand Rapids, has always been a special place to me. I’m blessed to have been raised here and proud to make Michigan my home,” said Howie’s Hockey Owner, Howard Max Sieplinga. “As we look toward the future of Howie’s, our dream is to build a sporting goods brand that is widely recognized across the globe. A brand that Michigan, specifically West Michigan, is proud to call its own. Founders did it in beer, Steelcase in furniture and we hope to accomplish it in hockey and the sports medicine world.”
With the approval of a $270,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) supports the expansion through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“Howie’s Hockey is investing in Kent County, creating 45 good-paying jobs and building on Michigan’s economic momentum,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the project. “Michigan was chosen for this expansion over several other locations because of our attractive business environment and talented workforce. Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring good-paying, high-skill jobs home so everyone in any community can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will continue sending a clear message that Michigan is open for business and building on our momentum.”
