FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Digital Consulting Firm Twisthink Establishing Headquarters Facility in Grand Rapids, Creating 37 New Jobs
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that Twisthink, a global digital consulting firm, is expanding in Grand Rapids, signaling continued economic recovery and growth in Michigan.
“Today's investment by Twisthink will build on Michigan’s tech strengths and create dozens of high-skill, good-paying jobs for Michiganders in West Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Twisthink’s new headquarters facility will reinforces our reputation as a world leader in innovation. With investments like today’s, we will continue to grow our tech and IT sectors here in Michigan, further diversifying our economy. Now, thanks to our effective fiscal management, hardworking people, and innovative businesses, Michigan’s economy is growing with low unemployment, rising wages, and strong small businesses growth. Michigan’s future is bright, and investments like today’s by Twisthink will help us continue moving our state forward.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2.2 million and create 37 jobs, supported by a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Twisthink chose Grand Rapids, to accelerate company growth, rather than out-of-state locations.
Twisthink, LLC is a global professional services firm that specializes in developing digital strategies and solutions that connect human needs with emerging technologies. The company was established in Holland in 2001 and currently has 40 employees.
Due to increased demand in digital connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) services, Twisthink is experiencing significant growth and has gained large project opportunities for companies including Stryker, Whirlpool, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and more. The company plans to expand into the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building in Grand Rapids and become a part of the Grand Rapids/MSU Innovation Park. The facility will also serve as the company’s headquarters.
Twisthink is the latest tech company to choose to expand in the state of Michigan. The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fostering high-wage job growth.
“Grand Rapids continues to establish itself as a premier tech and professional services hub in the state and this investment by Twisthink further highlights the competitive advantages our state has to offer growing tech businesses – from the strength of our business climate to our talented workforce,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “We’re grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We are grateful to Twisthink for this vote of confidence and we’re proud to join The Right Place and our local partners as we send the message that tech innovation still calls West Michigan home.”
“This is a pivotal moment for us,” said Twisthink Managing Partner Robert Niemiec. “What we have created and practiced over the past two decades has reached the tipping point for companies desiring to innovate, accelerate, and grow. As a team of knowledge workers trained to address and solve complex problems, we chose Grand Rapids for two reasons: it brings us closer to more innovative thinkers across a diverse slate of industries from healthcare to industrial manufacturing to mobility, and it allows us to tap into a deeper pool of specialized talent in the region. It is best suited for us as we bring greater tech capabilities to our new home city and create meaningful impact here, throughout the state, and globally.”
The project will bring 37 immediate jobs across engineering, design, strategy, and project leadership to the Grand Rapids community. Twisthink provides its employees with professional development opportunities that can be used for continuing education and offers reimbursement for advanced degrees and training programs. In addition, the company believes in giving back to the community and supports local and global causes.
The Right Place worked closely with the MEDC to ensure Twisthink continued its growth in the region. West Michigan Works! and Grand Rapids Community College also has committed to support the project with a workforce training package in 2023. Qualified candidates who are interested in joining Twisthink should visit https://twisthink.com/careers/
“Over the last 20 years Twisthink has achieved impressive growth and developed a strong portfolio of clients nationwide,” said Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place. “Twisthink choosing to continue its accelerated growth here further establishes the Greater Grand Rapids region as a leading location for tech in the Midwest.”
“We are thrilled Twisthink has chosen Grand Rapids for their new headquarters and welcome them to the community,” said City of Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “With their new office within the Innovation Park, and the addition of nearly 40 team members, we’re excited to see their success in Grand Rapids.”
“Adding a creative, forward-thinking company like Twisthink to the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building brings an array of positive impacts to Grand Rapids, the city’s Innovation Park and our wider community,” said Mike Mraz, president of real estate development at Rockford Construction. “We are honored to have collaborated with Twisthink and the other project partners and look forward to continue supporting the Twisthink team as they settle into their new home.”
“We are excited to have Twisthink as tenants and collaborators in the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building. As catalysts to the region, they will help drive innovation and the adoption of digital technology across all sectors, which better serves communities and expands access,” said Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Jr., executive vice president of health sciences at Michigan State University. “The focus on helping their customers incorporate human-centered design and technology, such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things, will bring extraordinary value to companies incubated at the DMMIB, especially those focused on healthcare.”
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