West Michigan robotics manufacturer raises record $165,000 for charity

JR Automation employees and the company matched donations to raise a combined $165,000 in 2025 through the JR Community Care Fund, a program started in 1997 that lets employees choose local nonprofit recipients.

JR Automation in Holland announced that employees raised a record combined $165,000 for nonprofits in 2025 through the JR Community Care Fund. The fund holds events such as chili cook-offs, golf outings and car shows, and the company matches every dollar employees raise. The program began in 1997 to assist employees facing hardship and has since expanded to include thousands of staff across North America. Employees choose the organizations that receive funding. Key details: - Employees and company matching produced a combined total of $165,000 in 2025 through the JR Community Care Fund. - The 2025 total surpassed $150,000 raised in 2024 and $133,000 in 2023. - The fund was established in 1997 and now includes thousands of employees across North America. - Holland East and West divisions distributed funds to 10 West Michigan organizations, including Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation, Kids Food Basket: Holland, Make-A-Wish Michigan and Outdoor Discovery Center; other local recipients included Folds of Honor Foundation, Alexa Lindsey Memorial Scholarship Fund, Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan, Gateway Rescue Mission, Hospice of Holland and Hand 2 Hand. - JR Automation's Detroit division selected 42 Strong, Kids Without Cancer, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Michigan Animal Rescue League, while other divisions supported regional charities such as the CJ Fuller Foundation, Stepping Stones Safe Haven, Youth Impact Incorporated and Lantern House. - The company employs more than 2,000 people across 21 global locations and is building a $72.8 million global headquarters at 800 Riley St. in Zeeland to consolidate about 350 employees and add at least 150 jobs, with completion expected by late fall. Summary: The record fundraising highlights the reach of the JR Community Care Fund and the role of employee-led choices in directing support toward food and housing security, youth programs, health services and animal rescue. The company is moving ahead with a new $72.8 million headquarters in Zeeland expected to be completed by late fall; other details about future fundraising plans are undetermined at this time.