ProTec Panel and Truss Expanding with $3M Michigan Investment
Originally Published by: LBM Journal — August 22, 2025
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced in August three business expansions in Calhoun, Kent and Kalkaska counties, one of which is ProTec Panel and Truss, which is expanding in Battle Creek, investing $3 million and creating 50 new jobs.
(Protec Panel & Truss)
“Today’s announcements will build on Michigan’s economic momentum, creating nearly 200 good-paying manufacturing jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “I want to thank Warbird, Protec, and Weiss Technik for choosing to invest in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to strengthen our economic development tools so we can help more workers and businesses make it in Michigan.”
ProTec Panel & Truss Manufacturing, LLC is a manufacturer of engineered wood roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels along with supplying framing lumber packages. They design and build custom engineered components for residential, agricultural, multi-family, and commercial projects using the latest design software and manufacturing equipment.
“Battle Creek is the perfect second location for us,” said Shane Soule, President of ProTec Panel & Truss. “It positions us closer to the heart of Michigan’s growth and gives us better access to legacy manufacturing talent. This move is about more than expanding our reach—it’s about delivering greater value, speed, and support to the partners who count on us.”
The company has purchased a vacant building in Battle Creek for their expansion that will allow the company to establish a Michigan footprint while also meeting its growing customer demand. Customers include construction companies for commercial and residential properties.
Their expansion into Michigan is anticipated to generate $3 million in capital investment while creating at least 50 new jobs with starting wages $25 per hour plus benefits, nearly $4 per hour above the regional median wage. Support for this project has been approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in the amount of $300,000.
“We are pleased to welcome ProTec Panel & Truss to Battle Creek,” said Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited. “This project will return a long-neglected property to productive use and create as many as 50 high-paying new jobs. As a manufacturer of roof & floor trusses and wall panels, ProTec will also help to address Michigan’s critical housing shortage. We are grateful to the MEDC for their generous support and look forward to ProTec starting production later this year.”
The company has chosen Michigan for the project because of the growth opportunities that the Michigan market presents and the access to legacy manufacturing talent in the Battle Creek labor market.