Leading SaaS Company Konnech Expands Footprint in East Lansing
POSTED: Thursday, December 9, 2021
CATEGORY: Foundation News
Konnech, Inc. to Create 51 New Tech Jobs at New East Lansing Location
EAST LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 9, 2021) —Today, Okemos-based premier software as a service (SaaS) provider Konnech, Inc. kickstarted an exciting new business growth phase by expanding and opening a new office in downtown East Lansing. Konnech specializes in election logistics management products and services, providing programming, hosting, technical support and training for election administrators. Konnech currently has a team of 35 full-time employees spread across the globe, with nine at home in the Lansing region. Konnech’s expansion in East Lansing will create more than 51 full-time high-quality jobs in the Lansing region and paves the way to onshore additional positions currently based overseas.
“Konnech’s growth is great news for our state, our families and our economy, and further underscores the competitive advantages our state has to offer growing tech businesses,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our future is bright, and thanks to companies like Konnech and partners like MEDC, LEAP, the MSU Foundation and others, we can stay laser-focused on growing our economy and creating good jobs for Michigan residents.”
Konnech launched in 2002 in Meridian Township, with clients reaching across the US, Canadian and Australian markets.
“Konnech is in rapid expansion mode to meet worldwide demand for our product and services. With MEDC, LEAP, MSU, LCC and the local community’s support, Konnech is developing a world-class brand and bringing high paying job opportunities to the Lansing region,” said Eugene Yu, president of Konnech Inc. “Our new lease within the MSU Research Park will help us to interact closely with MSU faculty and students. Through the MSU Innovation Center, Konnech is turning MSU technologies into cutting-edge products, which will greatly benefit the world. Our five-year goal is for Konnech to become a worldwide company name associated with Lansing, Michigan.”
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted Konnech in making pivotal connections and accessing programs to retain the company’s investment in the region, including Lansing Community College’s (LCC) Business and Community Institute and Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) for workforce development, Michigan State University (MSU) for connection with faculty and students, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for job creation incentives.
“When a diverse and leading technology company is growing fast and chooses the Lansing region for expansion, it speaks volumes about our region’s ability to compete with any tech hub in the nation,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Our business support system, higher education talent pipeline and culturally rich communities are winning the day once again. As usual, many thanks go to our great partners, including the MEDC, LCC, CAMW!, MSU, MSU Foundation and the city of East Lansing, for coming together to help Konnech expand in East Lansing. Congratulations to all!”
In total, Konnech’s support package of around $540,000 includes support from the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, Going Pro Talent Fund, in-kind hiring and training support and an MEDC performance-based job creation cash grant.
“Congratulations to the team at Konnech on your impressive growth and success! We appreciate your vote of confidence in the incredible talent and competitive business climate here in Michigan,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “This project is a win for Mid-Michigan and for the entire state. We’re pleased to work with LEAP, the MSU Foundation and other local partners to bring these high-wage, high-tech jobs to the area, and we look forward to working with Konnech as it continues to grow in Michigan.”
Konnech’s need to attract and retain talent stood at the forefront of their investment decision-making process. Konnech harnesses emerging technologies such as mobile applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to streamline all aspects of election management, and a steady flow of software engineers is critical for future growth.
“On behalf of the MSU Foundation, we want to officially welcome Konnech to the City Center building as they continue to grow and engage with our student and alumni community to create the next generation election systems around the world,” said Jeff Smith, director of real estate at the MSU Foundation.
Konnech will lease the second floor at 325 East Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing from MSU Foundation.
“We’re excited that Konnech has chosen to expand in downtown East Lansing, and we welcome them to our growing innovation ecosystem. As a City and a Council, we are committed to attracting and supporting local businesses like Konnech every step of the way,” said East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon. “We’re looking forward to the job growth that this business expansion will bring to our area, including career opportunities for recent graduates.”
Konnech is actively looking for candidates to fill its various positions in the Lansing region. Inquiries may be sent to Dylan Polcyn through dylanp@konnech.com, or (517) 381-1830 for more information.