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Rugged Liner Investing in Caledonia Charter Township Facility, Receives Support from Township Board 

Rugged Liner, a leading manufacturer of truck bed liners, tonneau covers, wheel well covers, and other accessories, is pursuing a $3.4 million capital investment at their Caledonia Charter Township production facility, located at 951 Aiken Rd.

The projects include acquisition of a plastic shredder to support recycling waste materials for use in production, thereby reducing raw material consumption. They are also considering a new plastic extruder to replace an older model.

The company received support for this endeavor from the township board in the form of a 50% personal property tax abatement on the new investment. The move is expected to directly create six jobs.

Rugged Liner has experienced significant growth in recent years, directly resulting from new exporting opportunities (they have sold product to approximately 50 countries). Two years ago, the business acquired the former A.O. Smith property (200,000 sq ft) at 200 Universal Drive in Owosso, taking a building that had been vacant for a number of years and renovating it into their corporate headquarters and warehousing and distribution facility. The Aiken Rd plant (250,000 sq ft) was then expanded with more manufacturing capabilities. The company, which currently employs approximately 120 people, has added over 40 jobs in the past two years.

"We are excited to be able to grow our operations at both of our plants, create jobs, and invest in these great communities," said company Chief Financial Officer Troy Angst. "We are very appreciative of the support we have received from the township board and other local partners, and look forward to continued collaboration in the future," he added.

"Rugged Liner is a positive example of a local manufacturer that took on the challenge of pursuing new international markets and succeeded. Not only have they occupied and renovated two of the largest, most historic industrial buildings in the mid-county, but they have provided good employment opportunities to many local residents. They are a true asset to our community, and we are thankful that their business is located here," said Justin Horvath, President/CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, which provided project assistance.

For more information on Rugged Liner, visit their website at http://ruggedliner.com/, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RuggedLiner or YouTube at                                http://www.youtube.com/user/RuggedLinerInc.

You can also scan the company's QR code below with your smart phone: