Outdoor kitchen appliance maker plans $3.8M expansion near Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet is expanding its Comstock Township manufacturing facility with help from the state of Michigan.

The company makes world-class outdoor appliances, including grills, gravity smokers and pizza ovens, as well as custom outdoor kitchen systems complete with refrigeration and cabinetry, according to a news release from the state.

The products are branded with the company’s logo, which is an emblem that says “Kalamazoo” with flames underneath.

The company is one of three Michigan manufacturers receiving a combined $700,000 from the Michigan Strategic Fund, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced Thursday, March 20.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet received $200,000 toward the $3.8 million project.

Following a merger with Urban Bonfire, the company is moving its manufacturing operations from Montreal, Canada, to the Kalamazoo area.

The expansion of the facility at 8566 Krum Ave. in Comstock Township will create 22 new jobs.

“I am truly thrilled to announce this expansion,” said Scott Kohler, President of Manufacturing at Pleina Group, the parent company. “(This is) furthering our rich history of craftsmanship and expertise that started more than a century ago in Kalamazoo.”

The company was initially considering a relocation to Montreal or the Chicago area, per the release.

“I want to thank the Michigan Strategic Fund for helping our state stay competitive and retain manufacturing in Michigan,” said State Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, in the release.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet was founded more than 100 years ago as Kalamazoo Sheet Metal, per the release. The company served a variety of industries in West Michigan, including the production of dairy processing equipment.

For those interested in a job with the company, click here.