Muskegon Area Manufacturing Firm Purchased by Waséyabek Development Company
Grand Rapids, Mich. – (Aug. 24, 2020) Waséyabek Development Company (WDC) today
announced the acquisition of Re-source Industries, a family-owned and operated specialty
manufacturing company in Muskegon, Michigan.
“This acquisition is a terrific addition to the Tribe’s non-gaming portfolio,” said Deidra Mitchell,
president and CEO of WDC. “The company has a history of innovation and profitability, strong
leadership and a geographic profile that matches our ideal portfolio candidate.”
WDC is the economic development arm of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
Indians (NHBP). With this acquisition the Tribe now owns and operates nine companies or
properties in Michigan, providing 101 jobs in the state. Under WDC’s ownership, Re-Source
Industries will change its name to RSI of West Michigan. While the name is changing, the
experienced leadership of the company including the previous owners, Paul and Randi Kuyt, will
remain.
“After meeting the Waséyabek team and assessing the situation, we are confident this is in the
best interests of the company and the employees,” said Mr. Kuyt. “When you operate a
business your employees are part of your extended family. So we wanted to make sure the new
owners had our same core values. Waséyabek clearly does.”
RSI of West Michigan makes a wide variety of parts for ATVs, autos, snowmobiles, archery bows
and other products. It will be a sister company to Baker Engineering, another Waséyabek
owned manufacturing firm, located in nearby Nunica, Michigan. Day to day leadership of the 44
RSI employees will continue to be provided by Paul Kuyt. Jack Jerovsek and James TenBrink of
Baker Engineering, will provide executive oversight to both Baker and RSI.
“The high-quality work performed at RSI will be a great complement to our manufacturing
operation at Baker Engineering,” said Mr. TenBrink, vice president of Baker and an NHBP Tribal
Member. “We have been looking to grow and expand our capabilities and our customer base
and that’s why we approached Paul about working together to grow our two organizations.
The acquisition will be seamless for customers and employees. No production line or
operational changes are planned as a result of the acquisition.
“This is an example of our vision becoming reality,” said Jeri Pamp, chair of the WDC Board of
Directors and an NHBP Tribal Member. “Waséyabek‘s mission to is buy, hold and grow nongaming businesses that will strengthen the Tribe and the greater community for seven generations. This acquisition will allow us to further that mission for the betterment of all.”
WDC partnered with Calder Capital in Grand Rapids to source the acquisition. The purchase was
completed on August 20. Terms of the sale are not being released.
