Originally published by Michigan Economic Development Corporation
November 30, 2023
Walinga USA Inc. is a subsidiary of Walinga Inc., headquartered in Ontario and established in 1954. Walinga USA was created in 1983 in Wayland to service customers in the U.S. The company makes pneumatic transportation systems and feed trailers for the livestock and agriculture industry. Walinga currently employs 53 Michiganders.
The company is experiencing increasing demand and plans to expand at its current operations in Wayland, where it will purchase an adjacent parcel and construct a new facility as well as make renovations to its existing facility. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $8.3 million and create 31 jobs with the support of a $168,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the expansion over competing sites in Indiana, Iowa and North Carolina because of the company’s longstanding presence in the state and Michigan’s skilled workforce.
“Walinga USA is looking forward to working with the MEDC on our expansion plans,” said Walinga USA General Manager Corry Dekker. “Walinga has been rewarded by our customers with their continued confidence that allows us to double our present production output through the expansion effort. We appreciate the opportunity to do this in West Michigan, and we appreciate the work ethic of the community.”
The project will further boost Michigan’s agribusiness industry and bring immediate good jobs to the area and will solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state.
“Lakeshore Advantage is thrilled to see Walinga USA lean into its growing North American market-share and honored to play a part in helping the company expand in West Michigan’s lakeshore region,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Walinga’s expansion is an example of this region’s growing food manufacturing cluster. Their manufactured transportation and conveying solutions are crucial to agribusinesses across the US Midwest and beyond.”
The municipality has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. Information about careers with Walinga can be found here.
“Leighton Township is thrilled to see Walinga grow and continue to invest in this community,” said Leighton Twp. Supervisor Steve Wolbrink. “The company’s commitment to their employees’ success is admirable and their innovative business solutions offer exciting career opportunities for residents.”
Walinga’s commitment further builds on the state’s ongoing support of its robust agribusiness industry.
“Michigan’s robust food and agriculture sector is poised for long-term growth supporting and creating good-paying jobs throughout the state. Today’s Walinga USA announcement is a shining example of the important role our rural communities play in Michigan’s economic future,” said Tim Boring, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I am excited to have Walinga USA call Michigan home and am 100 percent in favor of making easier for our state farmers to buy from Michigan companies.”
