Two new business expansions, community development project bring investment, jobs to Michigan

• CertainTeed Ceilings Corporation expanding in L’Anse, creating 25 jobs • Miniature Custom Manufacturing expands facilities in Vicksburg, adding 37 jobs • Community development project in South Haven will reactivate vacant lot, create 10 jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Three projects expected to generate a total investment of $17.8 million and create 72 jobs in Michigan have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“Today’s MSF actions demonstrate that we are working to offer companies the tools to expand their efforts here in Michigan and help community partners initiate successful redevelopment projects,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

“The decision by these two companies to expand in Michigan over competing states highlights the strengths of Michigan’s sites and communities for doing business, further underscoring its competitive economic advantages. We are thankful for the public and private partners that helped put these projects in motion, and we are pleased to support those collaborations,” Mason said.

CertainTeed Ceilings Corporation was founded in 1904 as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products including roofing, siding, solar, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings. CertainTeed plans to expand its ceilings manufacturing facility in the village of L’Anse, a project designed to increase production output and reduce waste systems. The expansion is expected to generate a total private investment of $10.3 million and create 25 jobs, resulting in a $375,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in another state.

“This is an exciting time for our facility and for our customers. The expansion of our village of L’Anse ceilings plant helps to demonstrate our continued investment in our operations and in the advancement of our products that are featured on homes and buildings across North America,” said CertainTeed Plant Manager Robert Miller. “We are proud to call Michigan home for nearly 60 years and look forward to many more years in this wonderful community.”

The village of L’Anse has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. For information on careers with CertainTeed, visit https://www.certainteed.com/careers.

“We are very pleased that the MEDC recognizes the importance of CertainTeed’s upcoming expansion with this award,” says Mark Massicotte, Baraga County EDC chairman. “This company is a long-standing employer in our community and the addition of 25 family sustaining jobs speaks volumes about doing business in Baraga County.”

Miniature Custom Manufacturing, LLC,established in Galesburg in 2007, specializes in highly automated injection molding for high-volume injected parts for many industries, from automotive to medical. MCM continues to secure new customers and has several product launches planned for 2019 and 2020, requiring an expansion of 24,000 square feet to its current facility in the village of Vicksburg and conversion of its warehouse into a second manufacturing facility. The project is expected to generate $3 million in private investment and create 37 jobs, resulting in a $175,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Indiana.

“We are excited to partner with the MEDC to bring jobs and growth to the state of Michigan and the village of Vicksburg,” said MCM Owner Kevin Murphy.

The village of Vicksburg has approved a property tax abatement in support of the project. Individuals interested in careers with Miniature Custom Manufacturing should visit https://www.miniaturecustommfg.com/human-resources.

“As Southwest Michigan looks for ways to create jobs and drive economic growth, innovation continues to be key element. The 37 new jobs and $3 million investment coming to Vicksburg are a testament to Miniature Custom Manufacturing’s ability to both lead and support new products in the marketplace,” said Ron Kitchens, CEO and senior partner of Southwest Michigan First. “Today, we celebrate with the company’s leadership, state of Michigan and village of Vicksburg who partnered with our project team to bring this project to successful conclusion.”

South Haven Center, LLC plans to construct a new three-story mixed-use building on a currently vacant parcel in downtown South Haven. The completed project will include 18 residential units, retail or commercial space, and parking for residents. The project will add density and promote walkability in the downtown area as well as reactivate and increase the taxable value of a currently vacant lot. It is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.5 million and create 10 full-time equivalent jobs. As a result, the project has been awarded a $750,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant.

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.