Apparel manufacturer Carhartt is expanding its operations in Dearborn, Mich. The $4.65 million project, expected to create 125 jobs, is thanks in part to help from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which is offering a $937,500 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
Carhartt has recently invested $32 million in its three facilities at its Dearborn campus. The company plans to expand in areas such as product design, digital marketing, customer care, and operations, reports Area Development.
“We’re excited to bring more high-paying jobs to Michigan,” said Carhartt Chief Financial Officer Susan Telang. “Our business continues to grow year over year and partnering with the MEDC allows us to expand our employee base by adding top talent and, at the same time, continue to invest in our home state where Carhartt was established in 1889.”
The city of Dearborn has offered to assist the company with expedited and streamlined permitting for the expansion efforts.
"Congratulations to the entire Carhartt team on your continued growth and success," noted Quentin Messer, Jr.,CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and president of the Michigan Strategic Fund. "We’re proud to join our local partners as we celebrate this longstanding Michigan company’s expansion and look forward to working together to grow fashionably, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors in Southeast Michigan."
Carhartt, Inc., founded in Detroit in 1889, is a manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of workwear. The company generates its sales primarily from wholesale distribution to retailers throughout North America and Europe, but also sells directly to consumers through company-owned stores, e-commerce sites, and the industrial industry. Headquartered in Dearborn, Carhartt employs more than 5,500 associates worldwide with 644 employees in Michigan.
“Along with their well-earned reputation in the workwear segment, Carhartt is also one of the oldest and most respected brands in the outdoor recreation sector, and I’m grateful for their continued collaboration with my office and their commitment to grow and invest in their home state of Michigan,” added Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office at MEDC. “This announcement builds on Carhartt’s leadership in rebuilding Detroit’s legacy of textile manufacturing and demonstrates that today’s outdoor recreation jobs can be creative, well-paying, talent-driven opportunities that support people, communities and an adventurous life in the great outdoors.”