A local manufacturer is looking to expand and hire more people. 

Last week, the Big Rapids City Commission granted a tax abatement for Big Rapids Products properties located at 525, 535 and 625 North DeKrafft Ave over the span of 12 years.  

According to Aaron Thompson, Vice President of Sales at BR Products, the tax abatement will allow for the $3-million dollar expansion to build a new facility for warehousing, packing and inspection. 

“We are looking to expand the DeKrafft Avenue facility to bring more business to Big Rapids.” Thompson said. 

The expansion will also add 60 more new hires to the current 300 employees who already work at Big Rapids Products locally.  

“Big Rapids Products is a vital partner of this community and is very much needed and wanted in our industrial park.” Big Rapids City Manager Mark Gifford told the commission.  

Mecosta County Community Development Director Kelly Wawsczyk added to what Gifford told the commission saying BR Products is a great business for the area.

 “They have gone above and beyond to create a culture that really shows their investment in their employees, between the full benefits package, to an on-site facility to take care of medical needs, cornhole they can play during lunch and a great café that provides fresh made food and a place they can decompress and take a break. When it comes to talent, they don’t struggle with that because they provide such a great culture.” Wawsczyk said. “So filling those new additional positions won’t be an issue.”