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There is a bright spot in the Michigan economy and it is happening right here in the Keweenaw. Driven mainly by the needs of schools and universities, Gundlach Champion has more than $40 million in building and construction projects under contract in Houghton County.

“By hiring locally we are providing a significant boost to the local economy,” says Dan LeVeque, president emeritus of Gundlach Champion. The projects currently underway provide for approximately 400 jobs -- most of those coming from the immediate area. In addition every major contractor in the area has been able to participate in the work.”

Community support has been a way of life for the company, given that its predecessor (Herman Gundlach, Inc.) has been creating jobs locally since 1898.

“We’re proud of our company’s longevity and that we are able to contribute to the community,” LeVeque said. “We’ve hired locally for these projects, but there are also some people working here from outside of the area. They are living here, buying food here, all of which contributes to our economy. These projects are good for our area.”

The company continues to manage the building expansions at both Hancock and Houghton schools, as well as the renovation of two floors of Finlandia University’s Jutila Center, located in the former hospital building in Hancock.

Gundlach Champion also has two projects underway with Michigan Technological University, including the renovation of the former Upper Peninsula Power Company building on the Houghton waterfront, where the company has its Houghton office. Gundlach Champion is also the general contractor for the new Michigan Tech student apartments, located behind the University’s McNair Hall.

All told, that is $40 million in construction and renovation currently underway.

“Economists use multipliers to determine the economic impact of such projects to the local economy,” LeVeque said. This $40 million investment in the local economy has an impact of over $65 million.

The investment will continue next year, as well, as Gundlach Champion partners with Finlandia University for planned projects including the Condon Field Athletic Complex and College of Health Sciences. Both of these facilities are part of the “Campus and Community Together” initiative between Finlandia, Hancock Public Schools, and the city of Hancock.

Other projects, yet to be named, are already under discussion for next year.

Gundlach Champion is a regional construction services company providing planning, design, management, financial sourcing and construction. In addition to the local work, the company has projects underway at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Dickinson County, Chippewa County and Marquette County; as well as projects in North Dakota and Illinois.