Nearly 200 jobs in manufacturing could be coming to Westland within the next few months. Three separate projects will result in the newly created jobs and another former big box store will be rehabbed and occupied.
Motion by Councilman Herzberg supported by Councilman Londeau, to split the former Dicks Sporting Goods on Central City Parkway into two separate parcels that will be re-developed into two facilities. All Council members voted in support. The building is set to house the new corporate headquarters for U.S. Ice, and a Tahini manufacturing plant. (Tahini is an ingredient in Hummus)
“This is going to be our new headquarters” stated the owner of US Ice, the largest independent ice manufacturer in Southeast Michigan. US Ice is a full service ice-house and sculpture company that has serviced popular events such as the Detroit Grand Prix and Michigan Renaissance Festival. The company plans to provide ice to Detroit Metro Airport via the new facility in Westland that will also have retail sales available for residents looking to buy 22lb bags of ice for those special events.
This will be a joint project with American Pulse Processing that will occupy the other portion of the building. The company will operate a facility that will be producing roasted sesame seeds, primarily used in the production of tahini, an ingredient in hummus. The company serves as a link between farmers and consumers and their website states “We are working side by side with organic certified farmers that we train and encourage to implement and well manage the organic practices to protect the soil and reduce the risk of groundwater pollution.” City Council is set to vote on the final plans within a few weeks.
Another project that could lead to 89 or more jobs in Westland is with an Automotive supplier. City Council held a study session on August 7th to discuss the proposed expansion of US Ferathane, a company located on Ford Rd west of Hix. If the plans are approved by the City, the facility will produce several interior parts for the new Ford Bronco and Ford Ranger. The proposed 100,000 sq ft addition will house expanded manufacturing capacity for its injection molding and compression molding business lines.
Representatives from each company agreed that they would seek out Westland residents in the hiring process before others as a stipulation.