LANSING–Wayfair, the Boston-based online store for home furnishings and décor, announced it would establish a customer service center in Meridian Township, which the company says will create 500 full time jobs over three years.

State aid for the center was approved at the board meeting of the Michigan Strategic Fund Nov. 26, in the form of a $750,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program and $1,760,500 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

two talent attraction and job creation performance-based grants.

“The competition was fierce to win these many and very competitively paying jobs within a premier international company like Wayfair, but LEAP was relentless about our regional pitch, and won this one for the community and our people,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.

Added Niraj Shah, CEO, co-founder and co-chairman of Wayfair: “We are excited to expand our operations in the State of Michigan and bring more than 500 jobs to the Lansing area with the opening of a new customer service center in Meridian Township. “At Wayfair, exceptional service is the cornerstone of our business. Our new location will allow us to even better serve our customers as we continue to raise the bar in creating the best possible shopping experience for home. We look forward to joining the greater Lansing community, creating exciting new job opportunities, and contributing to economic development in the region.”

Partners from Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Capital Area Michigan Works, Capital Area Transit Authority, Dean Transportation and leading private companies emphasized a message of collaboration, community and hard work during Wayfair’s visits, a message that resonated strongly with the company’s culture.

“This is great news for Mid-Michigan and the families and businesses that have put down roots here,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This new customer service center will help connect hundreds of Michiganders with good jobs and will send a message to the world that Michigan is a great place to do business. I’m excited to welcome the Wayfair team here to Michigan, and I’m hopeful that more businesses will follow their lead and move to our state.”

Wayfair plans to invest up to $8.9 million into 63,000 square feet of leased space at 4700 S. Hagadorn Road, a two-story office building owned by George F. Eyde Family LLC in Meridian Township, over the next three years. The company will also begin hiring its first wave of employees in the first half of 2020.

More at www.purelansing.com.