Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the expansion of a lighting and furniture company in the Grand Rapids area. The governor’s office tells us more:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that Roll & Hill, a manufacturer of high-end lighting and furniture, is establishing a new lighting production facility in Wyoming with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“My administration has been focused on getting things done on the kitchen-table issues and growing our economy,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This investment by Roll & Hill will create 50 manufacturing jobs in West Michigan, which is great news for workers, their families, and our economy. Together, we will continue putting Michiganders first and investing in our talented manufacturing workforce and innovative businesses so they can thrive. Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing. Unemployment is down, wages are up, and businesses continue creating jobs. Michigan’s future is bright, and investments like this one by MEDC will help us continue moving our state forward.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.5 million and create up to 50 manufacturing and corporate services jobs with the support of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project over the company’s existing location in Brooklyn, New York. West Michigan was chosen for the project because of its proximity to the supplier base and its history as a furniture making center.
Roll & Hill, LLC began as a lighting manufacturer in Brooklyn, New York and expanded into furniture in 2017. Roll & Hill is design-minded and collaborates with independent designers to create a collection of high-end furnishings, with a focus on on-demand production. The company manufactures its furniture at a separate facility in Wyoming, where it currently employs 22 people.
“Roll & Hill was founded with the mission of producing great design for the American market,” said Jason Miller, founder and CEO of Roll & Hill. “There could not be a more fitting location for us than West Michigan with its rich tradition of furniture making and storied companies like Miller/Knoll, Steelcase and Haworth.”
The project will further boost Michigan’s manufacturing and corporate services industries and be a tremendous asset to West Michigan’s furniture manufacturing. The project will also solidify the Roll & Hill’s presence and future growth in the state.
“Congratulations to the entire Roll & Hill team on your continued growth and success. We appreciate your vote of confidence in our state and in our workforce,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “This project is a win for West Michigan and for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor and legislators for the continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re proud to join our partners at The Right Place as we celebrate Roll & Hill’s expansion and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors.”
The Right Place has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with Roll & Hill, visit here.
“It has been exciting to watch Roll & Hill’s growth in Wyoming since the opening of their initial design and production facility in 2020,” said The Right Place Vice President of Business Attraction and project lead Brent Case. “West Michigan offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive, as evidenced by Roll & Hill’s decision to continue investing and creating jobs here.”
