COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Mechanical contractor R.W. LaPine is expanding in Southwest Michigan, a move that’s expected to create 70 new jobs.
The family-owned company is adding 10,000 square feet to its site in St. Joseph and 42,000 square feet of space for piping fabrication to its headquarters in Comstock Township, according to a release from the state. The expansion will nearly triple R.W. LaPine’s capacity for large piping fabrication, allowing it to take on bigger projects.
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In total, R.W. LaPine is expected to invest $9.5 million in the expansion. The 70 jobs created are expected to pay around $35 an hour to start, with opportunities that include plumbers, pipefitters, pipe welding fabricators and HVAC service technicians.
“This project will expand our capacity and capabilities across our entire organization, from our Service Group to our Fabrication operations, allowing us to better serve our customers throughout Southwest Michigan while expanding our footprint into new markets,” said President and CEO Ryan LaPine in a statement. “The investment will also create high-quality career opportunities and strengthen Michigan’s skilled trades workforce through continued training and workforce development. As a fourth generation, family-owned Michigan company, we are proud to invest in our employees, our communities, and the future of our industry.”…