Gotion Inc. is in the process of donating tens of thousands of dollars worth of office furniture to local nonprofit organizations and community groups as the company continues to renovate its new 20,000-square-foot headquarters in downtown Big Rapids. 

Gotion is renovating the former JCPenney space to include conference rooms, workstations and other amenities to support office needs. During the inventory process, Gotion realized they wouldn’t need several desks and tables, as well as many pieces still around from the old department store days, including shelving units and garment racks.

“In addition to our continuing efforts to financially help charitable organizations across the region, Gotion Inc. sent out a blanket invitation to local community groups to stop by our office and get these items free of charge,” said Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. – North American Manufacturing. “We’ve had a phenomenal response so far, and we’re still looking to give away equipment to worthy organizations that need it. In the event that all furniture is not requested by charities or local school systems, we will auction the equipment and all proceeds will be again directed to the needy charities around the area.”

Nonprofit organizations and community groups that are picking out furniture include Mid-Michigan Prom Garden, Morley Community Center, Manna Pantry of Big Rapids, WISE, Project Starburst, and Big Rapids Public Schools.

Thelen said there are also fax machines, cash registers and computers available free of charge to nonprofits on a case-by-case basis.

Renovations for the office space was targeted by end of April, but a delay is likely to give Michigan contractors a chance to review designs and place their bid. Gotion plans to have 50 employees in the office by the end of this year and 200 employees in downtown Big Rapids by the end of 2025.