Viking Group, Inc. a fire protection product manufacturer and distributor will build a new facility in Caledonia Township as part of an overall strategy for its sustained and long-term growth. The new facility will be between the company's existing facilities in Hastings and Grand Rapids. Slated for completion in early 2019, the new global headquarters will feature a modern, professional work environment designed to promote creativity, innovation and collaboration, and will also include an expanded, state-of-the-art research and development center, according to a news release from the Viking Group.

 

"The expansion of our West Michigan footprint is an investment not only in the communities we are proud to call home, but in our employees, who are the key to our continued success," said Viking Group President and CEO James Golinveaux.  "The new facility will free up space in our Hastings location, which will continue to house manufacturing operations, and will be conducive to the future expansion of our manufacturing footprint."

 

The yet-to-be-finalized site, located near M-6 and M-37 in Caledonia, will provide a significant upgrade to Viking Group's R&D infrastructure, including cutting-edge design, engineering and testing capabilities, paving the way for future product innovation. Additionally, the new building will feature a high-tech training facility to support the organization's goal of becoming the recognized leader in fire protection training.

 

Viking Group expects nearly 100 people will move from its Grand Rapids and Hastings offices into the Caledonia location once the new building is completed. To accommodate anticipated future growth, the company also expects to add at least 50 new jobs in the next few years to support its expanding business both in the U.S. and internationally.  Viking's commercial and residential products, including industry leading fire sprinklers, valves and fire protection devices, are currently sold in more than 90 countries.

 

The Right Place assisted Viking Group in identifying the M-37 corridor in Caledonia Township due to its close proximity to both its Hastings campus and Grand Rapids offices.  "We want to thank The Right Place for their assistance with this strategic project. Their guidance and knowledge provided the support we needed to fulfill this vision," said Golinveaux.  

 

 

 

 

 

Rendering of Viking Group's new facility scheduled to open in Caledonia Township in early 2019.