PPE turns into 'tremendous' opportunity for Reed City factory

During three shifts a day and sometimes for six days a week, machinery is humming at a small town factory where the pandemic is creating expansion opportunities and jobs.

Reed City Group in Osceola County is not the first company to switch gears from fabricating parts for the automotive industry to making personal protective equipment (PPE) for the COVID-19 virus. But it is one that’s sticking with it, and potentially leading the way as the state’s manufacturers hope to regain business by making the medical products once sent overseas.

The pandemic is a tragedy, but the changes to the company located between Big Rapids and Cadillac are “tremendous,” said said Brad Doornbos, director of business development for Reed City Group. It has hired at least 30 workers and purchased equipment for the switch, as its plastic-injection molds now create parts for medical devices.

“We’re learning what it means to be part of a major [original equipment manufacturer] supply base,” Doornbos said.

Read more: https://www.bridgemi.com/business-bridge/ppe-turns-tremendous-opportunity-reed-city-factory