GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A global maker of over-the-counter drugs is bringing its North American headquarters and 170 jobs to downtown Grand Rapids.
The new office for Perrigo will be constructed along the Medical Mile within Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Innovation Park, at 430 Monroe Ave. NW, according to The Right Place this morning.
The 63,550-square-foot office space will primarily house corporate and functional leadership and certain administrative roles and feature adaptable workspaces "to promote collaboration opportunities." The innovation park is being built by Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction.
Dublin-based Perrigo has local operations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Allegan, which the company's website lists as its current North American Base of Operations.
Perrigo was founded in 1887 in Allegan.
It employs more than 4,000 people in West Michigan and 11,000 globally.
The project represents a capital investment of $44.7 million over the 15-year period of the lease.
“Perrigo established its roots in West Michigan more than 130 years ago. Since then, we’ve become an industry leader and created thousands of jobs in the region,” said Murray Kessler, president and CEO, Perrigo. “We are excited to continue our growth surrounded by organizations that share our passion for self-care in the heart of a thriving city. We are thankful for all of those involved in making this project a reality, especially Governor Whitmer, The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC.”
The Right Place, an economic development nonprofit based in Grand Rapids, said it worked closely with Perrigo, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan State University and others "to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than out-of-state locations in Chicago and Florida."
MEDC approved a $2-million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the project through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
The city of Grand Rapids will consider a property tax abatement for the project, according to The Right Place.
"This headquarters announcement solidifies the competitive advantage Grand Rapids provides to global companies like Perrigo,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “We look forward to their investment and its impact in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan region."
