FloraCraft announces local expansion.

FloraCraft announces local expansion.

LUDINGTON — FloraCraft announced today that it will be expanding its local manufacturing facility by building a 27,000 square-foot shipping and distribution center. The existing 138,000 square-foot facility will also be renovated.

The new space will feature a modern distribution center, eight shipping bays, new state-of-the-art equipment and expanded packaging lines, as well as space for more than 1,350 pallets and a high-bay racking system.

“Over the past decade, we have invested a significant amount of resources into our manufacturing process, adding more than 40 jobs along the way,” said Eric Erwin, president and CEO. “This new facility will allow us to meet the demands of our national customers, while improving our processes as we continue to provide innovative, American-made goods to crafters and florists everywhere.

“This expansion is also part of our commitment to remaining independent right here in Ludington. We’re dedicated to ensuring we continue to invest in our community, which has been critical to our success over the past 75 years. We’re proud to be Lakeshore business owners and residents and look forward to our next chapter in this new, modern space.”

Additions and renovations are expected to be completed by the ended of the first quarter of this year, with production to begin shortly after that. Hughes Brothers is the general contractor, with other local Ludington contractors assisting on the project.

In designing the space, careful attention was paid to workflow and open sight lines, allowing team members to see both their teammates working around them and the product. Employee rest spaces will also be improved throughout the process.  

The expansion will allow the company to expand its robotics capabilities with the addition of a new robotic case packer. The company stressed the new robotic equipment will not impact jobs; in fact, it will offer expanded learning opportunities for team members.

“We will continue to partner with West Shore Community College to offer training to our team so they can advance their robotics skills,” said COO Steve Carlson. “As we continue to increase our automation, we want to make sure our team grows in their skillsets, too. We are committed to building an innovative, world-class company with employees who have the opportunity to excel with us.”