Tribally Owned Company Acquires Grand Rapids Manufacturing Plant

OTEGO, MI – Safari Circuits, a subsidiary of Waséyabek, announced it has acquired the former LaCroix Grand Rapids manufacturing plant. The acquisition reverses a decision by the previous owner to close the plant and lay off all salaried and hourly workers. Terms were not disclosed.

Safari is an advanced electronics manufacturer founded in Otsego in 1985. It specializes in the production of printed circuit board assemblies for various companies and industries. It was acquired in 2022 by Waséyabek, the non-gaming economic development company wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribe based in southwest Michigan.

The former LaCroix plant is located at 1655 Michigan St. NE. The staff designs and manufactures electronic equipment and industrial (IoT) solutions for clients in the automotive, industrial, construction, aerospace, defense, and healthcare industries.

Safari’s decision to acquire this financially distressed plant was driven by several factors, including the presence of a highly skilled manufacturing staff and an alignment in production work and core customers with Safari’s Otsego operation.

“We’re thrilled to acquire this production facility and provide a new and brighter future for the 116 people at the plant who were slated to lose their jobs,” said Craig R. Nelson, President of Safari Circuits. “The similar production work performed at both plants made this a logical move that should lead to an increase in customer orders for both operations. We’re fortunate to have had the support of the Waséyabek leadership team in assessing and executing this transaction.”

The newly acquired facility will now be called Safari Grand Rapids. Since the completion of the sale in September, Safari management has worked with on-site leadership in Grand Rapids to assess the capabilities of the staff and explore new business development opportunities. In just two months, the Grand Rapids plant has secured significant new customer orders. The company is now planning to invest $750,000 in new equipment and hire more than 20 additional employees to meet the increased customer demand.

“This is terrific news for the Grand Rapids business community,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “When a plant of this size shuts down, it impacts not only their workers, but the companies that do business with them as well. Safari and Waséyabek’s decision to acquire the plant and expand its operations is a wonderful reversal of fortune for the workers and our business community.”

“Six months ago, the announcement that the former owner was planning to shut down the plant and lay off more than 100 employees here in Grand Rapids was concerning,” said Mark Washington, Grand Rapids City Manager. “However, I am now pleased to hear about Safari’s commitment to our city, including its investment, job retention and expansion plans that will benefit the employees.”

This is the second business acquisition by a Waséyabek portfolio company this year. In February, Zip Xpress and Green Transportation announced they had acquired Great Lakes Warehousing in Holland. The acquisition included more than 150 acres of vacant land that could be used for future business development.

“Long-term economic growth is a core strategic objective at Waséyabek,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO of Waséyabek. “We look to grow our portfolio by investing in companies that deliver excellent products and services. This acquisition and oversight by Safari Circuits will further strengthen the NHBP Tribe’s economic development efforts and will have a positive economic impact on the entire region.”