Courtesy Photo Lindi Ziesman, left, and Staci Hoppe, show off their handiwork that helped to produce conveyors at the I2P economic growth lab on U.S.-23 South in Alpena.

ALPENA — When the company I2P renovated the former Kmart building in Alpena, it hoped to help companies turn ideas into realities and to help expand other businesses in its economic growth lab.

Today, several companies work in the old big-box building. One of them is thriving by producing conveyors and conveyor systems shipped nationally.

Jackie Krawczak, corporate representative for Employment Services Inc., a subsidiary of I2P’s owners, said she can’t reveal the name of that company or its clients because of agreements that company has with its primary customers.

She did say, however, that people may have noticed an increase in the number of cars in the large parking lot on U.S.-23 South. She said that’s because many people have been hired.

In May, the conveyor company hired 25 people and is looking to add an additional 26 this month, Krawczak said. The demand for employees is so high, in fact, that the business has struggled to fill positions.

“Most of the jobs are entry-level, light assembly work, and are full-time, with benefits, and there is room for advancement, over time,” she said. “Right now, we are having a hard time finding talent, and are actually exporting work elsewhere. This work is going to be here for the foreseeable future and a great opportunity for people.”

Krawczak said other businesses are working and growing at I2P, though she couldn’t identify them.

“There are several other projects and companies working on their ideas,” Krawczak said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.