Tribally Owned Company Acquires Grand Rapids Plant

OTEGO, MI – Safari Circuits, a subsidiary of Waséyabek, has acquired the former LaCroix Grand Rapids manufacturing plant. Previously, the facility was scheduled to close under its former owner. As a result, all salaried and hourly employees faced layoffs. However, this acquisition reverses that decision. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

1. Safari Circuits Grand Rapids Plant Background and Ownership

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) Nation 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.”

2. Safari Circuits Grand Rapids Plant Investment and Growth

The newly acquired facility will now be known as Safari Grand Rapids. Since the sale was completed in September, Safari’s management team has worked closely with on-site leadership in Grand Rapids. First, they assessed the skills and capabilities of the existing staff. Next, they explored new business development opportunities. As a result, the plant secured significant new customer orders within just two months.

Looking ahead, the company plans to invest $750,000 in new equipment. In addition, Safari intends to hire more than 20 new employees to meet the growing customer demand.

“This is terrific news for the Grand Rapids business community,” said Rick Baker, President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “When a plant of this size shuts down, it affects not only workers but also the businesses that rely on it. However, Safari and Waséyabek’s decision to acquire the facility and expand operations represents a positive turnaround for both employees and the wider 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.”

3. Waséyabek’s Long-Term Economic Development Strategy

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 community’s economic development efforts and will have a positive economic impact on the entire region.”

ABOUT WASÉYABEK

Waséyabek is a 100% Tribally-owned holding company that manages the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi’s non-gaming economic development activities. By investing and acquiring diverse businesses and real estate properties on behalf of the Members of the Band, Waséyabek contributes to the community’s long-term success and economic self-sufficiency by providing revenue and employment opportunities for Tribal Members.

ABOUT SAFARI CIRCUITS

Founded in 1985, Safari Circuits is a leading provider of advanced electronic manufacturing services specializing in printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) for mission-critical sectors including medical, industrial, automotive, and defense. Headquartered in Michigan and proudly part of the Waséyabek Family of Companies, Safari combines engineering development, advanced manufacturing, and agile supply chain support to deliver world-class innovation and advanced manufacturing excellence for mission-critical, highly regulated markets. Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 16949 and ITAR registered, Safari is committed to innovation, reliability, and building long-term

Final Thoughts:

Safari Circuits Acquires Grand Rapids Plant marks more than a business expansion. It reflects a long-term commitment to manufacturing stability and workforce retention in Michigan. More importantly, the move restores confidence for employees and the local economy. Overall, this acquisition sets the foundation for sustainable growth and future innovation.

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FAQs:

1. What happens to the workers at the Grand Rapids plant?

The acquisition prevents layoffs and retains more than 100 salaried and hourly employees who were previously at risk of losing their jobs.

2. What type of manufacturing does the plant support?

The facility designs and manufactures electronic equipment and industrial IoT solutions for industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, and healthcare.