The company was founded in 2009 and prints designs for local and statewide brands such as Black Irish Apparel, a Grand Rapids-based company.

Michigan Shirt Works owner Ted Wilson said the store was a culmination of years of hard work.

“We grabbed the location in June, but only opened this September,” Wilson said. “I used to take calls on the cell phone while I was working at a record store before this.”

He said a lot of his current business comes from local companies and the MSU community.

The store initially faced troubles with construction and set up, forcing them to open later than expected. Wilson said the store didn’t have time to plan a grand opening and opted for a soft opening instead.

“Business was just too crazy to plan an event,” Wilson said.

One of the businesses Wilson works with is Action Board Sports, a longboard and skateboard store located at 541 E. Grand River Ave.

“We get all of our shop shirts from (Michigan Shirt Works),” owner Jim MacGregor said.

MacGregor said he’s bought shirts from the company for a long time and said the new location will make it even easier to get them.

Michigan Shirt Works is not the only store of its kind in downtown East Lansing. The business will be joining the ranks of other local screen printing services, such as Underground Printing, located at 209 M.A.C. Ave.

“It’s a great thing — anytime there is competition, it is a good thing,” Underground Printing store manager Erik Johnston said.

He said the store will draw new customers to the area, which is good for both businesses. Johnston also believes the new store will benefit the customers the most.

“It keeps us honest. This way the students will get a fair price,” Johnston said.