Holland , Mich. , January 6, 2005 – Kandu Incorporated has purchased a new building on the north side of Holland , and will be consolidating its manufacturing operations in late 2005.
Kandu occupies a unique niche in West Michigan , and demand for their services continues to grow. They currently employ approximately 350 people, and have placed more than 2,700 client-employees into local businesses over the last five years. Since 2002, requests to place people in jobs with Kandu have increased 12% per year. Kandu has created opportunities for people to become contributing members of the community. Without Kandu, these people would have to rely on social services for support.
Kandu currently operates two facilities, one in Grand Haven and one in Holland . The continuing economic pressures in West Michigan have affected Kandu in the same way they've affected many other businesses. “Think of it as having two homes,” explains Tom Vreeman , Chief Executive Officer. “We have to light, heat, cool, maintain and insure both of them. We also move people and materials from one location to the other. It's an expensive way to operate.”
“By consolidating our facilities into one centralized location, we will save significant dollars each year in operating costs. We will become more cost-competitive, which benefits the local businesses that use our services. And if we can reach more customers with competitively priced services, we can employ more people. It's a case where exercising good financial stewardship also allows us to extend our mission.”
“This is the biggest step Kandu has ever taken,” says Chuck Vonesh, a member of Kandu's Board of Directors and former Grand Haven business owner. “The Board has spent a great deal of time analyzing Kandu's financial position. We absolutely believe this is the right move. It will help us operate more efficiently, and better position us to continue our mission to the lakeshore community.”
“The Board has decided to raise funds through a capital campaign, beginning early in 2005,” continues Vonesh. “We believe the people of West Michigan will see this as a positive move for Kandu and the community, and therefore support us enthusiastically.”
About Kandu Incorporated : Kandu is a not-for-profit organization that provides opportunities for people with barriers to employment. Since 1953, Kandu has taught employment and life skills that transform someone labeled “unemployable” into someone who does excellent work and earns a wage. Kandu is ISO 9001:2000 certified, and provides excellent services to seventy or more companies in any given year. Learn more about how Kandu partners with local businesses by visiting www.kandu.org .
