Achatz Handmade Pie Co. Named One of “Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch”

by Achatz Pies

June 3rd, 2009 · in Company News

Achatz was honored April 30 in Lansing along with 49 other Michigan companies for their intent and capacity for growth, entrepreneurial leadership, creative marketing and innovation. Additionally, honorees have established businesses that are environmentally conscious, take action that are philanthropic, perform well in competitive environments, and have outstanding relationships with their employees.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced the 2009 class of “Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch” (MI 50), saying they represent the small businesses that are essential to the diversification and transformation of the state’s economy. The honorees, companies with between 6 and 99 employees that represent all regions of the state and a range of both high-tech and traditional sectors, have generated a total $1.1 billion in revenue and added more than 700 employees over the past four years.

“More than ever, we need the energy, determination and innovation that small business owners and entrepreneurs live and breathe every day as we work to diversify our economy and create jobs,” Granholm said. “We can’t forget that small businesses represent 95 percent of Michigan’s employers, and they are the backbone of our economy. I applaud these 50 companies and every small business owner who is helping to diversify Michigan’s economy by creating and sustaining all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people.”

Achatz Handmade Pie Co. grew 26% in 2008 and has planned growth for 25% in 2009, which will create 12-15 new jobs. The 20,000 sq. ft. Bake House in Chesterfield, Michigan supplies fresh pies to their own six pie shops in Macomb and Oakland counties.

Approximately 100 grocers and up-scale restaurants carry the Achatz Pies in southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Chicago. Last year the company created a new line of frozen ‘Ready to Bake’ pies to supply the Whole Foods Market chain in the Mid-Atlantic region.

“This program has helped Whole Foods Market to increase their bakery sales because of the outstanding quality of our pies”, says Dave Achatz, President and co-owner of Achatz Handmade Pie Co. “We use no hydrogenated oil or preservatives in our pies, which makes our products fit perfectly in the all natural trend.”