Two companies to expand in SE Michigan with support from Michigan Strategic Fund

Projects will generate total investment of nearly $4.4 million, add 129 jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Two business expansions that will generate $4.4 million in total investment and create 129 jobs have received Michigan Strategic Fund approval for support, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“The successful expansion of these two companies reflects Michigan’s growing economy and expanding job opportunities for our state’s talented and abundant workforce,” Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which administers incentives and programs on behalf of MSF. “It is further evidence of the positive results of our commitment to help companies grow and add jobs here.”

Detroit Engineered Products, Inc., headquartered in Troy with offices worldwide, provides numerous products and services such as its “MeshWorks” software (for design optimization, morphing, and computer-aided engineering meshing), engineering services, and an innovative engine ion sensor (for increased fuel economy and reduced emissions) to the transportation and other industries. The company is growing several of its divisions and needs to renovate and retrofit its facility in the city of Troy to accommodate the additional growth. The project is expected to generate $1.8 million in private investment and create 91 jobs, resulting in a $650,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Brazil and India. The city of Troy is supporting the project with staff time and/or use of public facilities. For information about engineering solutions or careers with Detroit Engineered Products, visit http://www.depusa.com. 

“We've been very pleased with our relationship with the MEDC as we shared our past successes and future goals for growth,” said Radha Krishnan, president and CEO of Detroit Engineered Products. “The time and planning spent with the MEDC team resulted in a mutual investment to benefit both DEP and Michigan's economy. As we grow our MeshWorks Engineering software platform, our Engineering Services group, and our Engine Efficiency division led by our newly prototyped Engine Ion Sensor, we can better support our clients with unique cost and time saving solutions which leads to the creation of more high tech engineering jobs.”

According to DEP Director of Business Development John Gelmisi, the company has taken advantage of a number of MEDC programs designed to benefit Michigan-based companies including using funds for skilled trades training, receiving assistance to expand international trade and export opportunities, and attending supplier workshops that directly resulted in opportunities and signed contracts for DEP. 

“There are constant announcements for programs or networking opportunities sponsored by the MEDC to benefit both small and large companies in Michigan,” Gelmisi said. “We've made it part of our internal processes to take advantage of these opportunities that complement our own sales and outreach efforts.”

Santanna Tool & Design, LLC, located in Madison Heights, provides engineering services and manufacturing of flexible production systems for the auto industry. The company is an operating entity of Nitehawk Design and Bulldog Factory Service. Santanna Tool & Design needs additional space and plans to expand its footprint by acquiring a second facility in the city of Warren, investing $2.6 million and creating 38 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in South Carolina. The city of Warren has offered support to the project in the form of marketing and promotional assistance.

“We are very pleased and grateful for the Performance Based Grant we received from the MEDC,” said Santanna Tool & Design General Manager Joseph Newton. “Santanna Tool & Design looks forward to creating new jobs and expanding our operations in Michigan.”

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.