For more than 50 years, Soils & Structures has quietly played a critical role in shaping the buildings, roads, and infrastructure people rely on every day across West Michigan. Now, the locally owned engineering firm is making a significant new investment in its Norton Shores headquarters, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the community it has always called home.
Soils & Structures is moving forward with a $2.7 million expansion at its headquarters on Grand Haven Road. The project includes a new office addition and renovations to existing space, creating room for continued growth, new jobs, and an improved work environment for its team. With support from the City of Norton Shores through Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificates, the expansion positions the company to grow while remaining rooted in the community.
From Soil to Structure
Many residents may not realize just how often Soils & Structures’ work touches their daily lives. In simple terms, the company helps make sure buildings and infrastructure are safe, stable, and built to last.
The “Soils” side of the business focuses on geotechnical engineering. That means testing and analyzing the ground beneath a project before construction begins. This work helps determine how strong the soil is, how it should be prepared, and what kind of foundation a building or road needs.
The “Structures” side focuses on structural engineering. This is the work that ensures buildings are properly designed to support weight, handle weather, and meet safety standards. Together, these services support everything from commercial and industrial buildings to pavement and roadway systems.
“Soils is the ground and below,” said Chip Toth, CEO of Soils & Structures. “Structures are what ensure the integrity of the building. You really cannot have one without the other.”
A Local Company Reinvests in Its Roots
For Toth, the decision to expand in Norton Shores was never really a question. He was born and raised in the community, and the company has been headquartered here since its early days.
“This was the right time,” Toth said. “We never had an interest in moving our headquarters from Norton Shores. You need to have a good environment for people to work in.”
As the company has grown, its existing space has struggled to keep up. Previous expansions and changing needs reduced usable office space over time. The current project allows Soils & Structures to modernize its facility and create a workspace that better supports collaboration, recruitment, and long-term growth.
“You can learn a lot from younger people when they look at your facility,” Toth said. “We wanted a more attractive, functional space that reflects who we are today and where we are headed.”
Investment and City Support
The $2.7 million project includes the construction of new office space and the renovation of existing areas at the Grand Haven Road headquarters. Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificates approved by the City of Norton Shores play an important role in supporting the expansion by helping offset project costs.
These incentives allow Soils & Structures to reinvest more directly into its operations, workforce, and equipment while continuing to grow locally.
City Administrator Anthony Chandler noted that the expansion reflects both confidence in Norton Shores and the value of supporting established businesses that choose to reinvest in the community.
Workforce Impact and Job Creation
The expansion will retain 62 existing jobs and create five new positions over the next two years. These roles support the company’s growth as it continues expanding its engineering services and full-service laboratory capabilities.
In addition to job growth, Soils & Structures plans to increase minimum wages and invest in upgraded equipment. These improvements support workforce development and help ensure employees have the tools they need to do their work safely and effectively.
“We are pretty good at our starting point for our people,” Toth said. “Having the latest equipment is part of that. It shows our commitment to our team.”
Community Connections and Partnerships
Locally owned for more than five decades, Soils & Structures approaches growth with a strong sense of responsibility to the community.
“It means a lot,” Toth said. “It’s like a family.”
Many members of the company’s leadership team have raised their families in the area, and Norton Shores continues to play an important role in attracting new talent. The community’s quality of life, location, and stability help the company compete for skilled professionals while staying rooted locally.
From Toth’s perspective, the expansion also reflects a broader shift in how people view Norton Shores.
“This is a great place to be,” he said. “People are seeing it now.”
Looking Ahead
Construction on the headquarters expansion is expected to be completed by October 2027. Once finished, the updated facility will support Soils & Structures’ continued growth while strengthening its presence in Norton Shores for years to come.
For residents, the project represents more than a building expansion. It reflects investment in local jobs, confidence in the community, and a long-standing business choosing to grow where its roots run deep.
As Soils & Structures continues to serve projects across Michigan, its commitment to Norton Shores remains clear, delivering long-term value to employees, partners, and the community it calls home.
