Autocam Medical building $60 million site in West Michigan

Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision, surgical and medical components and devices, announced that it is investing $60 million through 2024 to expand its manufacturing footprint and capability in West Michigan. This new facility will continue to serve its customers by making products that improve people’s health.

This investment includes a new 100,000ft² manufacturing facility and global headquarters located on Broadmoor and 36th Street in Kentwood, which will house state-of-the-art equipment and technology built to Autocam Medical specifications and proprietary processes.  The new plant expansion is expected to create 250 jobs in West Michigan, and they’ve already started hiring and expect to increase their hiring efforts significantly over the next year.

Autocam Medical has grown dramatically in West Michigan over the last five years, doubling its revenue and employment in the Kentwood location. The company made the choice to continue expanding in West Michigan because of the availability of a skilled workforce.

Autocam Medical’s President and CEO, John C. Kennedy, cited the availability of highly qualified candidates as a critical factor in the decision to stay in West Michigan. “We decided to locate this new plant in West Michigan because even in a tight labor market, we have been able to find highly qualified team members. We believe the workforce here has allowed us to develop advanced technology that brings cost effective solutions to our customers, therefore enabling us to be among the best medical device contract manufacturers in the world,” Kennedy says. 

The company plans to add skilled machinists, engineers, and technicians. Most of these positions will be hourly, and the company provides training opportunities to all associates. The average hourly associate at Autocam Medical earns nearly $58,000 annually plus benefits, including quarterly incentives, a generous 401K match of $3,000, and a premium-free health plan that rewards employees for positive lifestyle choices.  Additionally, employees can expect a pristine, air-conditioned environment outfitted with leading-edge equipment, as well as a culture that trusts and respects every individual. 

“We have built the company around the value of investing in our people and their growth.  The company’s success is due to the knowledge that the employees bring to Autocam Medical every day,” Kennedy says.

In addition to the comprehensive compensation package offered by the company, employees are encouraged to continue their education and training with Autocam Medical’s training partners, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, and Western Michigan University.

“We are excited about our expansion here in West Michigan and appreciate our partnership with the City of Kentwood in making Kentwood attractive for this investment,” Kennedy says. The new facility will be ready for occupancy in January of 2022.  The company will continue to operate its existing manufacturing facility in Kentwood and plans to use its current headquarters for Area Improvement Team (AIT) activities that focus on continuous improvement.