Three companies win state support to invest $20 million, add 168 jobs in Michigan

Byrne Electrical Specialists constructing new facility in Montcalm County

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced that three companies were approved for incentives by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support their expansions in Michigan. The projects are expected to generate more than $20 million in investments and create 168 new jobs.

“The decision by these companies to expand in Michigan demonstrates our state’s greatly improved and diverse business climate,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “We’re pleased to support these projects, which will mean more jobs and greater economic opportunities for people around Michigan.”

Byrne Electrical Specialists Inc., headquartered in Rockford, is a manufacturer and supplier of power and data distribution solutions for offices, homes, hotels, and hospitals. The company, in partnership with property investors Pickle Dock LLC, plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in the village of Lakeview which will expand its manufacturing and office space. The project investment by Byrne of $250,000, coupled with a $500,000 investment by Pickle Dock LLC, will create 32 jobs, resulting in a $160,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. 

“Our sense of community has always been a big part of what makes us Byrne. We've been investing in communities throughout Michigan since 1971,” said Byrne Managing Director Dan Byrne. “This local expansion will allow us to be an even stronger partner – both locally and globally – delivering high value products and innovative thinking for our customers.” 

Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Mexico. The Right Place has offered support to the project in the form of staff time and resources. Individuals interested in learning more about Byrne should visit www.byrne-electrical.com.

“The Village of Lakeview works hard to create an environment where people can be successful, and we are thrilled to be welcoming Byrne Electrical Specialists to our community. The impact they will create through new investment and job opportunities for our citizens will create a lasting positive effect,” said Village of Lakeview and City of Stanton Manager Jake Eckholm. “The folks at Byrne have already proven to be great partners to Lakeview, we can't wait to see what they do once they are up and running in town.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved the following projects:
Global Tooling Systems, LLC, established in 1995, is a key supplier of aerospace assembly tools for the manufacture of aerospace structures and also supplies the automotive industry with complex automation tooling designs. The company is owned by AIP Aerospace, which has locations across the United States and Europe. The company plans to build-out its 42-000 square foot office and manufacturing facility in Macomb Township, investing more than $3.6 million and creating 70 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $475,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in South Carolina. Macomb Township has offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement. For information on careers with Global Tooling Systems, visit http://aipaerospace.com/careers. 

Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC is the nation’s largest privately held bakery and full-service contract manufacturer of high quality, grain-based food and snack products for some of the world’s leading brands. The company currently operates 19 manufacturing plants in seven states. The company plans to expand its facility in the city of Kentwood, investing nearly $16.2 million and creating 66 jobs. As a result of the expansion, the company has been awarded a $300,000 MBDP performance-based grant. In May, MSF awarded Hearthside a $450,000 MBDP performance-based grant for the creation of 91 jobs and capital investment of $10.7 million in Kentwood. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Individuals interested in careers with Hearthside Food Solutions should visit www.hearthsidefoods.com/careers.

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.