When Special-Lite found a new home in Benton Township several years ago with the help of Cornerstone Alliance, they clearly found a place that they have been able to succeed, but also where they continue to expand dramatically. 
The dynamic company has announced today that they will be moving their fiberglass pultruding and manufacturing operations to their facility on Empire Avenue in Benton Charter Township. The company anticipates investing up to $2.3 million for building renovations, machinery and equipment for its facility located on Empire. In addition to hiring 35 new employees immediately, this expansion will create more than 60 new jobs over the next three years.
Founded in 1971, Special-Lite designs, engineers and manufactures high-performance architectural building products, which include commercial entrance systems, interior aluminum (Type II) framing with swing or sliding aluminum framed doors, and FRP restroom partitions. The company originated the use of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) material for door skins in the early 1980’s and is the largest volume producer of commercial FRP doors in the United States today.
This expansion will provide new job opportunities for Benton Charter Township residents. Cathy Yates, Supervisor of Benton Charter Township, says, “Special-Lite is very good for Benton Charter Township, as it allows our residents to get jobs with medical and retirement benefits. I want to thank them for bringing this warehouse of opportunity to our community,” and adds, “I did a personal walk through of the location and was very impressed with the modernized equipment and safety procedures now in place.”
Cathy Tilley, Cornerstone Alliance Business Development Manager, led the project from start to finish, and says, “We are thrilled that Special-Lite is transferring all fiberglass pultruding and manufacturing from Arkansas to its facility in Benton Charter Township. Special-Lite knows first-hand the benefits of doing business in the State of Michigan, which includes working with groups like Kinexus to find the talent necessary to be successful. MEDC was also a valuable resource, providing a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, and without their support, this project would not have happened.”
Special-lite President and CEO Steven Benscoter is thrilled, saying, “We are very excited about the expansion of our Benton Harbor manufacturing operations and the positive impact it will have on the community. We are also very appreciative of all that our Marshall Arkansas team has done in support of the transfer as they continue to support our customers.” Benscoter also mentioned the importance of Special-Lite’s partnership with Cornerstone Alliance, saying, “One of the keys to our success is the ability to attract talent and we are counting on our partnership with Cornerstone Alliance and MEDC to support our efforts in this area.”
Special-Lite, Inc. is a privately held firm with its headquarters in Decatur, Michigan, and manufacturing locations in Decatur, Benton Township, and Marshall, Arkansas. The company began in 1969 when Ed Smola began working on ideas that in 1971 became Decatur Quality Glass. In that same year, Grant O. Young, who had partnered with Smola in building the business, organized the aluminum flush as well as a stile and rail door company. From the very beginning, the company’s mission has been to design, engineer, manufacture and sell high-performance products for selected segments of the commercial entrance market.
