Image from Howies Hockey Tape
Howard Max Sieplinga started Howies Hockey by selling rolls of tape out of his trunk at local rinks.
His commitment to providing the hockey community with “the world’s highest quality” hockey tape has turned Howies into a household name – and a mainstay in NHL and NCAA locker rooms.
Business has been good, and now, it’s going to get even better for the West Michigan-based hockey and sports medicine supplies provider. The State of Michigan has announced that Howies Hockey is expanding in Gaines Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund – a project that is expected to generate a $6 million capital investment and create 45 new jobs in advanced manufacturing.
“Howies Hockey is investing in Kent County, creating 45 good-paying jobs and building on Michigan’s economic momentum,” said governor Gretchen Whitmer in the press release. “Michigan was chosen for this expansion over several other locations because of our attractive business environment and talented workforce. Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring good-paying, high-skill jobs home so everyone, in any community, can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will continue sending a clear message that Michigan is open for business and building on our momentum.”
Howies currently employees 25 full-time employees, as well as interns and seasonal workers, at their headquarters in Grand Rapids. While establishing itself as the preferred hockey tape provider for players of all ages and skills, Howie’s has also been expanding into sports medicine, producing things like pre-wrap, exam grade nitrile gloves, ice bags and general athletic tape.
“Growing up in Eastown, Grand Rapids has always been a special place to me – I’m blessed to have been raised here and I’m proud to make Michigan my home,” said Sieplinga in the press release. “As we look toward the future of Howies, our dream is to build a sporting goods brand that is widely recognized across the globe. A brand that Michigan, specifically West Michigan, is proud to call their own. Founders did it in beer, Steelcase in furniture, and we hope to accomplish it in hockey and the sports medicine world.
“This new facility, projected to finish in spring of 2024, is an important step as we scale up our business to meet the demand we’ve seen from our NHL, NFL, and NCAA customers. Our team has done a wonderful job in our current space, but it’s time to improve our facilities and processes to continue our growth. We’ve come a long way from our original 900-square-foot building on Michigan St. and we have a long way to go.”
