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HISTORY OF FEYEN-ZYLSTRA
Robert Zylstra and Marlin Feyen
In 1980, the market hardly needed another electrical contracting firm. Still, the industry seemed complacent, so satisfied with the status quo; it was indifferent to the innovation and responsiveness demanded by customers. Technology was also beginning to change the way things were done.
Instead of commiserating about the “good ol’ days,” Marlin Feyen and Bob Zylstra were determined to reach for the future.
During the winter of 1980, Marlin and Bob began working on a business plan. They envisioned a company that would not just grow with the industry, but change it.
27 years later, the company
continues to realize its goals. Thanks in part
to its committed office and field staff, and
the long-term relationships that have been formed
with many loyal customers. Following are some
of the highlights since the formation of Feyen-Zylstra
in 1980.
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FEYEN- ZYLSTRA TIME LINE
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| Company
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| 1982
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Purchase
of a 42,000 square foot building, the first office/warehouse
away from home. |
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| 1984
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The
company acquires its first computer, an IBM 386. |
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| 1986 |
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The
System Engineering service group is formed to meet
growing needs for design and implementation of automation
for the manufacturing industry. |
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| 1987
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The
Residential Electrical Services division is formed
in order to meet demand for competent and comprehensive
service to residential clients. |
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| 1988
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Space needs lead to renovation of an abandoned warehouse
for the office’s current location at 210 Front
Ave. SW.
Voice Data
Systems, is created to capitalize on the great potential
for telecommunications and computer networking. |
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| 1991
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Tri-Tech
Security is formed to address the demand for security,
automation and entertainment in the home. |
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| 1993 |
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A
second office is opened in Traverse City, to serve
Northern Michigan.
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| 2000 |
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Feyen-Zylstra
leaves the residential and security markets to keep
the focus on commercial and industrial electrical
contracting. |
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| 2003 |
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With
the sale of the Voice Data Systems division (VDS),
the company returns to its core capabilities of
electrical construction, communications cabling,
and system engineering. |
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| 2005 |
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Feyen-Zylstra's
25th Anniversary!
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| Projects
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| 1981 |
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The company’s first major project:
the Ground Round Restaurant in
Kalamazoo.
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| 1982 |
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The first signature project: Charley’s Crab restaurant in Grand Rapids.
The first industrial project: installation of a new conveyor system for United Parcel Service in Grand Rapids.
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| 1983 |
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Feyen-Zylstra begins work on major store renovations for Meijer stores in Grand Rapids, Greenville, Norton Shores, Wyoming and Kalamazoo.
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| 1988 |
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Feyen-Zylstra successfully completes its first very large contract. The Kent County Waste-to-Energy facility is a $2.3 million project.
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| 1990 |
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System Engineering begins work on a new UPS Distribution Center, the cutting edge of material handling technology. The project is recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors with a First Place in their awards competition.
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| 1991 |
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With a growing reputation as a contractor that can
handle complex projects, Feyen-Zylstra is hired
to provide the electrical installation at Gordon
Food Service's Distribution Center.
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| 1993 |
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Voice Data Systems completes recabling for the West Ottawa School System, a job featured in USA Today.
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| 1996 |
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Feyen-Zylstra is awarded another signature project
– the rebuilding of Plaza
Towers (formerly Eastbank Towers).
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| 1997 |
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The
company partners with one of its closest competitors
(Windemuller Electric) to complete a $10 million
renovation of Gerald
R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.
The company forms a second partnership with Windemuller
Electric and Johnson Electric for a $4 million Van
Andel Institute signature project.
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| 1998 |
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The
Communications group begins work at Spectrum
Health in downtown Grand Rapids, installing
over 290 miles of Category 5 cable. The project
earned the Award of Excellence in the Low Voltage
Category from the Associated Builders and Contractors.
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| 1999 |
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Construction
of Cinemark Theater
as part of a new mall is completed in just four months,
due to 60-hour weeks from Feyen-Zylstra’s crew. |
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| 2001 |
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Calvin
College awards the company the electrical contract
for a significant expansion, the construction of
the DeVos
Communication Center and the Prince Conference Center.
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| 2002 |
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A partnership with Windemuller Electric and Taylor
Electric (called Elected II is awarded a $13 million
electrical contract for Devos
Place Convention Center. It is the largest single
construction project in Grand Rapids history, at
a total cost of $242 million.
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