About Proos
Years in Business
Projects Completed
Further Proos
We aim to change the game and break the rules. With an emphasis on attitude, energy, and effort, we design and manufacture solutions that move our customers forward. Through intentional growth, mastery of skill, and commitment to our people and the communities we serve, we bring a spark to the material handling industry.
OUR VALUES

Growth

Mastery

Commitment

CAREERS
Attitude. Energy. Effort.
Proos is all about people. We’re a team that shows up for each other, relies on each other, and looks forward instead of focusing on past mistakes. Sound good? Check out our job board for current opportunities.
Our beginnings. With no end in sight.
We know that building anything, including a business, is a process. The values and principles Proos was started with remain the same as our offerings and technologies continue to evolve.

2020
In 2020, Proos is focusing on scalable growth. We are focusing on building out international partnerships, both with our customer base and in global supply chain development.
2018
Bryan Howard purchases Proos and shifts the company’s focus heavily towards engineering and design for manufacturability. By the end of 2018, Proos’ business had grown 75%.
2015
Proos experiences a series of unforeseen hardships and brings on Bryan Howard as general manager to begin the process of rebuilding with a focus on internal culture, energy, and effort.

2013
Proos becomes involved with the Source to better employees’ lives professionally and personally.
2010
Proos is named “Best Small Business—West Michigan” by the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center.
2000
Proos’ first laser is purchased with the intention of creating automotive prototypes but quickly sees a demand for manufacturing office furniture.
1983
Jack and Jean buy their other siblings out and, with Jack’s background in tool and die, focus on growing Proos’ metal stamping business.

1970
Proos’ product offerings expand to include the design and manufacture of downriggers. The “S” in our logo is created as a nod to one of Proos’ early products.

1919
25-year-old Neal Proos founds Proos Manufacturing to create casket hardware and cookie die stamps.

2019
Warehouse space on Ball St was acquired to bring paint line operations in house. This addition gives Proos more control over lead times, improves communication, and enhances customer relationships.

2016
Proos sells the Michigan Street plant in order to consolidate operations into one building on Oak Industrial Drive.

2014
Proos is awarded the re:con Apex Award for Outstanding Employer, which celebrates a business that has fostered exceptional employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers.

2011
Proos starts prioritizing engineering services and material handling. The first put wall is designed and manufactured and sheet metal operations are expanded.

2010
Amy Proos completes her purchase of Proos Manufacturing and puts energy into building brand recognition, defining Proos’ mission, values, and other work culture pieces.
1987
In her second year at Ferris State University, Jack’s daughter, Amy, begins running production at Proos. When she graduates, she joins the company full time and implements many systems that help propel Proos’ growth.
1978
Neal Proos retires and leaves the company to his kids: Kenneth, Jack, Russell, Jean, and Bertha.
1942
A fire breaks out at Proos’ original plant on Page Street. A few months later, Proos moves to a new factory on Michigan Street.

2020
In 2020, Proos is focusing on scalable growth. We are focusing on building out international partnerships, both with our customer base and in global supply chain development.

2019
Warehouse space on Ball Street is leased to bring paint-line operations in-house rather than outsourcing to other companies.
2018
Bryan Howard purchases Proos and shifts the company’s focus heavily onto engineering and design for manufacturability. By the end of 2018, Proos’ business had grown 75%.

2016
Proos sells the Michigan Street plant in order to consolidate operations into one building on Oak Industrial Drive.
2015
Proos experiences a series of unforeseen hardships and brings on Bryan Howard as general manager to begin the process of rebuilding with a focus on internal culture, energy, and effort.

2014
Proos is awarded the re:con Apex Award for Outstanding Employer, which celebrates a business that has fostered exceptional employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers.

2013
Proos becomes involved with the Source to better employees’ lives professionally and personally.

2011
Proos starts prioritizing engineering services and material handling. The first put wall is designed and manufactured and sheet metal operations are expanded.
2010
Proos is named “Best Small Business—West Michigan” by the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center.

2010
Amy Proos completes her purchase of Proos Manufacturing and puts energy into building brand recognition, defining Proos’ mission, values, and other work culture pieces.
2000
Proos’ first laser is purchased with the intention of creating automotive prototypes but quickly sees a demand for manufacturing office furniture.
1987
In her second year at Ferris State University, Jack’s daughter, Amy, begins running production at Proos. When she graduates, she joins the company full time and implements many systems that help propel Proos’ growth.
1983
Jack and Jean buy their other siblings out and, with Jack’s background in tool and die, focus on growing Proos’ metal stamping business.
1978
Neal Proos retires and leaves the company to his kids: Kenneth, Jack, Russell, Jean, and Bertha.

1970
Proos’ product offerings expand to include the design and manufacture of downriggers. The “S” in our logo is created as a nod to one of Proos’ early products.
1942
A fire breaks out at Proos’ original plant on Page Street. A few months later, Proos moves to a new factory on Michigan Street.

1919
25-year-old Neal Proos founds Proos Manufacturing to create casket hardware and cookie die stamps.