Business expansions, community improvement project win state approval to invest, add jobs in Michigan

MEDC announces MSF approval of two business expansions and a community development project

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of two business expansions and a community development project that will generate nearly $11.7 million in total investment and create 167 jobs around the state.

“Today’s MSF actions demonstrate our commitment to revitalizing Michigan’s communities and helping growing companies generate new job opportunities,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “These investments demonstrate Michigan’s improving economy and the success of our strategy to help companies grow and add jobs here.”

Hanson Systems, LLC dba EAGLE Technologies Group, headquartered in the city of Bridgman (Berrien County), designs and manufactures custom high-tech, automated assembly, robotic and test systems along with material handling systems for the factory automation industry. The company works in multiple business sectors including automotive, healthcare, consumer products, electronics, alternative energy, food and much more. EAGLE plans to establish a second 150,000 square foot manufacturing operation in St. Joseph Charter Township, investing nearly $6 million and creating a total of 100 jobs. As result, the company has been awarded a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Indiana. St. Joseph Charter Township has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatements. For career opportunities with EAGLE Technologies Group, visit www.eagletechnologies.com. EAGLE Technologies is a member of The Hanson Group of companies headquartered in St. Joseph.

“We are very pleased to be expanding our business in Southwest Michigan! The MEDC, St. Joseph Township, Cornerstone Alliance and others – have made our decision to continue our growth here locally very easy. We appreciate their efforts and we look forward to many years of successful progression at our new expansion in St. Joe as well as our primary location in Bridgman,” said EAGLE Technologies Group President Mike Koziel. “As a Hanson Group company, our commitment to the support and growth of the local community remains steadfast. Our expansion plans call for the addition of approximately a hundred highly skilled jobs at our new location. At EAGLE, we remain focused on providing an excellent work environment as well as competitive wages and benefits for all our Teammates. And, although several of our current teammates already come from the St. Joe and Benton Harbor area, our plans call for continued growth with applicants from this same area and beyond.”

“I am excited about this opportunity to build partnerships between career and technical education in schools, local businesses and our community,” said Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph. “The grant being awarded to Eagle Technologies will support necessary job training to Southwest Michigan residents and help close the gap between the jobs that exist today, and the available workforce.” 

MMI Engineered Solutions, Inc., founded in 1983, focuses on designing and manufacturing solutions that improve performance, reduce weight and lower costs in OEM components and material handling applications. MMI plans to expand its existing facility in the city of Saline, investment nearly $5.6 million and creating 47 jobs. As result, the company has been awarded a $150,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Mexico. The city of Saline has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Ann Arbor SPARK provided support to the company throughout the incentives process and will provide ongoing support throughout MMI’s continued growth. Individuals interested in careers with MMI Engineered Solutions should visit http://mmies.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

“The backbone of a strong local economy is based on the opportunity for entrepreneurial companies like MMI-es ability to grow and succeed,” said MMI Engineered Solutions Chief Financial Officer Paul D. Larson. “Through the partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK, the City of Saline, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDDC) MMI-es now has the foundation needed to support our continual business growth well into the future.”

The city of Clare has been awarded $317,955 in Community Development Block Grant funds for façade improvements needed for the Clare Downtown Façades project. The project will include façade reconstruction, historic feature preservation, window and door replacement, masonry repair and lighting upgrades to seven buildings that will bring a historic look and feel to the heart of downtown Clare. The project will generate private investment of $120,124 and create 20 jobs. The city of Clare will contribute $10,000 toward the total façade improvement costs.

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.