Waséyabek Development Company (WDC), a leading economic development firm in Michigan’s Indian Country, announced today it has purchased the manufacturing facility that houses RSI of West Michigan along with a neighboring vacant lot for possible future expansion.
RSI of West Michigan makes a variety of precision parts for automobiles, power sports equipment, sporting goods, and industrial equipment. The 30,000-square-foot building is located on 2.69 acres of land in the Getty Street Development in Muskegon. The vacant adjacent land is 4.52 acres and runs south of the RSI plant toward Nims Street. The company, formerly known as Re-source Industries, was purchased by WDC in August 2020. At the time the company’s former owner, Paul Kuyt, chose to stay on with WDC as President and retained ownership of the manufacturing facility.
“We’re extremely pleased to further our investment in Muskegon and create additional opportunities for growth in the future,” said Paul Kuyt, President of RSI. “RSI has seen a roughly 20% increase in revenue over the last year, and our staff size has grown by about 15% over the same time period. We have a great foundation for additional growth should current trends continue.”
WDC is the economic development arm of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians (NHBP) which has its ancestral lands in west and southwestern Michigan. Its economic portfolio now includes 25 business entities and investment ventures, spanning from coast-to-coast.
“This purchase is a continuation of our investment in the Muskegon community,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO ofWaséyabek. “As a Tribally owned firm, we are always looking to invest and grow our investments in West Michigan and in turn strengthen the overall business climate near the Tribe’s ancestral land. This is a continuation of our long-term business strategy.”
“Working with the Tribe and WDC has been an amazing experience,” said Kuyt. “When you understand that their goals are focused on the next seven generations rather than short-term quick profits, it sets a tone that allows us to dream bigger dreams that will stand the test of time.”
The sale was completed on September 12, 2022.