GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regional economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., along with its local and state partners, today announced that Grand Rapids-based Atomic Object will invest $2.9 million to move into an expanded headquarters in Grand Rapids and add at least 33 new high-tech jobs across its three Michigan offices. Aside from its Grand Rapids headquarters, Atomic Object operates out of Ann Arbor and downtown Detroit.
Atomic Object plans to relocate from its existing 5,000 square foot location at 941 Wealthy Street SE to an 11,000 square foot location at 1034 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. With the move, the company will double its current square footage in the city.
"We are very excited about the move and this new journey for Atomic Object," said Carl Erickson, CEO and Co-founder, Atomic Object LLC. "The Right Place played a key role in bringing together the state and local resources we needed to make this project happen."
The Right Place collaborated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to develop a high-tech business support package that includes a performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program. This grant will support Atomic Object as they add new jobs and invest in the state. The State of Michigan and West Michigan competed against several other locations, including highly-competitive tech hubs throughout the U.S. and abroad.
"Industries around the country are continuing to discover and leverage the world-class high-tech talent and resources here in West Michigan," said Megan Sall, Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc., and project lead on the expansion. "Atomic Object is a great example of the growth tech companies in the region are experiencing."
West Michigan's IT and software development industry has experienced significant growth in the post-recession years. Since 2009, the industry has increased employment by 13.8% throughout the 13-county region, outpacing the national average of 9.4%. Average sector wages in the region are $75,000, very competitive compared to the national average.
"Technology underpins nearly every industry today, from manufacturing to healthcare," said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. "Growing technology companies in West Michigan, like Atomic Object, further diversify our regional economy, increasing our competitive position in the marketplace."
Atomic Object plans to begin its expansion later this year, but is already starting the search for qualified software developers and designers. Interested candidates can apply online at Atomic Object's website, at: www.atomicobject.com.
"As companies throughout West Michigan are investing and expanding, like Atomic Object, The Right Place continues to ensure they have the connections, resources and support they need to succeed in our region," said Richard Breon, President and CEO, Spectrum Health and Chair of The Right Place, Inc. "Without The Right Place's support, these new jobs and many others would be in jeopardy of being created elsewhere. This is why it is so critical that West Michigan continues to support this strong economic development organization."
With this latest economic development project, The Right Place, working with its local and state partners, has generated $44.1 million in capital investment and assisted in the creation of 253 jobs in West Michigan in 2015.
About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc. is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and technology in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. For more information visit: www.rightplace.org
About Atomic Object LLC
Atomic Object was founded in 2001 on the belief that not all software is created equal. It takes a close-knit team of passionate people to create exceptional, innovative software products that change the way people do business. Atomic Object helps companies innovate and grow with custom software that's beautiful, reliable, and easy to use. In 2012, Atomic opened a second office in downtown Detroit, and in 2013 acquired SRT Solutions in Ann Arbor. For more information, visit: www.atomicobject.com
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