New business expansions, community improvement projects win state approval

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of state incentives to four business expansions and three community improvement projects

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of state incentives to four business expansions and three community improvement projects across the state that are expected to generate $72 million in new investments and add 868 new jobs in Michigan.

“Today’s business expansions and community improvements offer strong evidence of Michigan’s improving economy and the success of our strategy to help Michigan companies grow here,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “We’ve worked to better our state’s business climate and our efforts are bringing strong results. These new investments will promote greater economic opportunities for our businesses and citizens.”

The MSF-approved projects include three in Southeast Michigan, three in West Michigan and one near Charlevoix. 

Michigan Business Development Program:
Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc., a subsidiary of Aisin Seiki, was established in 2008 as Aisin Seiki’s first technical center outside of Japan. The company, which leads Aisin’s product development for the American marketplace, plans to purchase a building to expand existing operations in Northville Charter Township to meet growing customer demand. The project is projected to generate a total capital investment of up to $32.7 million and create 151 jobs related to the sales, design, development and testing of automotive components. As a result, the company has been awarded a $1.2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Northville Charter Township will review an application for a property tax abatement for up to 12 years.

Charter House Innovations, a West Michigan-based designer and manufacturer of seating and décor for quick-service restaurants, hotels, universities, and fine dining establishments plans to expand into new markets and add new technologies and processes to its operations. The company will expand its existing furniture design and manufacturing operations into a newly acquired facility in Holland Charter Township, investing up to $3 million and creating at least 50 new jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Holland Charter Township has offered a Plant Rehabilitation Property tax abatement at an estimated value of $200,000.

Comprehensive Logistics Co., Inc. is a third-party logistics provider focused on engineered warehouse, transportation and yard management technology systems and services to automotive OEM, tier one and industrial customers. Comprehensive Logistics plans to acquire land and construct a new 365,000 square foot logistics facility in the City of Detroit, creating a total of 350 new jobs and investing up to $18.1 million. As a result, Comprehensive Logistics is receiving an $800,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Ohio and Ontario. The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation on behalf of the City of Detroit strongly supports the investment and the company’s planned growth in the city.

Navitas Systems, LLC is a large format stored energy solutions provider serving OEMs and system integrators as well as commercial, industrial and government end users. The company is expanding its operations and relocating to a new facility in Pittsfield Charter Township to make a capital investment of up to $9.3 million and create 125 jobs related to storage battery manufacturing. As a result, Navitas Systems is being awarded a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in other states. Pittsfield Township has offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement.

Michigan Community Revitalization Program:
Hall Street Partners, Inc. has developed historic properties in the Cherry Hill and Heritage Hill historic districts in the City of Grand Rapids, with several projects recognized through awards by the local Historic Preservation Commission. Hall Street Partners, Inc. plans to renovate a historic 1920’s grocery store into a mixed-use development, investing a total of $1.4 million and creating 15 jobs. The project will include a neighborhood bakery and restaurant on the first floor and two second-floor residential units. As a result, Hall Street Partners is being awarded a $310,000 Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. 

Community Development Block Grants:
Marion Township has been awarded $500,000 in CDBG funds for job training for the ACAT Global, LLC expansion project in Charlevoix Country. ACAT Global, LLC, a manufacturer of OEM and aftermarket catalysts and catalytic converters, recently acquired Oliver Racing Parts and Emico Technologies and started an in-house R&D Company, California Coating Technology. As a result of the expansion the company will create 100 new jobs. Marion Township plans to support the project through property tax abatements valued at $251,000.

The City of Watervliet has received $115,800 in CDBG funds for façade improvements to a building located within its traditional downtown core in Berrien County. The proposed project will redevelop a vacant, former car dealership into a new brewery and restaurant, Arclight Brewing Company. The project will result in private investment of $573,550 and the creation of 15 jobs. The company has agreed that at least eight of the positions will be held by low to moderate income individuals. The City of Watervliet will make an anticipated contribution of $15,000, along with private leverage funds of $573,550.

“Today’s investments will lead to improved communities and more and better jobs for our residents,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “These seven projects offer strong evidence of Michigan’s improving economy and the success or our strategy to help Michigan companies grow here.”

Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.