KALAMAZOO – Newell Brands is expanding its 40,000-square-foot design center in Western Michigan University’s Business Technology and Research Park, investing $7.3 million and creating 87 design jobs. So that means Newell is hiring.

The company has recently acquired the consumer products company Jarden and needs to expand its design capabilities in order to accommodate the additional product lines. As a result of the expansion, the company has been awarded a $1.48 million Michigan Business Development performance-based grant. The city of Kalamazoo has offered 12-year tax abatements valued at $1.5 million. Michigan was chosen over competing sites.

“The decision of Newell Brands to expand in Southwest Michigan versus other global centers shows the value its leadership team places on our region as a hub for design talent,” said Ron Kitchens, senior partner of Southwest Michigan First. “We look forward to growing our creative community with the innovation these 87 new jobs bring and continuing our growing relationship with the company.”

Newell Brands is a global manufacturer of consumer and commercial products marketed under a portfolio of brands, including Rubbermaid, Graco, Aprica, Levolar, Calphalon, Goody, Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, Parker, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, and Lenox.

Individuals interested in careers with Newell should visit https://jobs.newellbrands.com/.