Howie’s Hockey Tape is known for it’s hockey accessories. But since it began operating in 2002, the company’s accessories and apparel have expanded into multiple outdoor sports from baseball, golf and tennis, to football, rock climbing and downhill skiing. That, along with increased product demand from major customers including the NCAA, National Hockey League and National Football League motivated Howie’s Hockey Tape to expand.
The Grand Rapids-based company considered a number of out-of-state sites east of the Mississippi River including the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Canada. With an assist from regional economic development organization, The Right Place, Howie’s has decided to stay closer to home involving a move from its Kentwood warehousing and distribution facility to a new site in Caledonia. This is where it will expand its processes with a $6 million capital investment and create 45 new jobs.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has approved a $270,000 business development grant supporting Howie’s Hockey Tape expansion.