New business expansions, community improvement project gain state approval

Three companies to invest $90.1 million, add 496 jobs

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of two business expansion projects and one community revitalization project that will generate more than $90.1 million in new capital investment and create 496 jobs in Michigan.

“Today’s MSF actions will further boost Michigan’s turnaround by generating new opportunities for our families and businesses,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “These investments will help to revitalize our communities, create jobs for our residents, and strengthen Michigan’s workforce.”

Michigan Business Development Program/Community Development Block Grant:

Forest River Manufacturing, LLC, headquartered in Indiana, is a world leader in the recreational vehicle industry. The company produces travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up tent campers, park model trailers, destination trailers, commercial vehicles, buses, pontoons and more. The company is launching new products and plans to construct three facilities in the Village of White Pigeon (St. Joseph County) to house each line. The project will generate a total capital investment of more than $7 million and create 396 jobs, resulting in a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Indiana. The Village of White Pigeon is offering support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. 

In addition, MSF awarded the Village of White Pigeon $1.6 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Forest River project. The funds will be used toward on-the-job training for 264 employees at the new facilities. 

Michigan Business Development Program amendment:

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., is engaged in engineering design, vehicle evaluation, materials research, prototype building, powertrain tuning, safety/crashworthiness, regulatory affairs and advanced research for Toyota and Lexus vehicles manufactured or sold in North America. The company has R&D facilities in Ann Arbor Charter Township, York Township, Plymouth and Livonia. In August the company announced plans to relocate its direct procurement operations from Erlanger, KY to its campus in York Charter Township (Washtenaw County) as part of an increased investment in engineering capabilities. The expansion required the company to construct a new facility at its York Township location, investing up to $32.5 million and creating 250 jobs. As a result, Toyota was awarded a $4 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company is also proposing to expand its Ann Arbor Charter Township facility, investing $75.15 million and creating 85 jobs. As a result, the company’s MBDP grant has been increased by $1 million. Ann Arbor Township has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Ann Arbor SPARK has provided ongoing support to Toyota, working with regional and state partners on incentives as well as helping the company with tours of the region for relocating workers.

Individuals interested in career opportunities with Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing should visit http://www.toyota.com/usa/careers/index.html. 

Community Incentive Program:

The City of Alpena Authority for Brownfield Redevelopment is seeking approval of local and school tax capture in the amount of $1,278,250 for the redevelopment of a vacant lot in downtown Alpena for the construction of a new 90-room four-story Holiday Inn Express. The funds will be used to alleviate brownfield conditions on the property through site preparation and infrastructure improvement activities. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $8 million and create 15 full-time jobs.

Pure Michigan is a brand 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.