Business expansion, community development projects bring new investment, jobs to Michigan

Expansion of chemical manufacturing site in Muskegon expected to generate $15 million in investment, create 40 high-tech jobs ● Community revitalization projects in downtown Paw Paw and Sault Ste. Marie will revitalize underutilized spaces

LANSING, Mich. – Three projects expected to generate a total investment of nearly $16 million and create 40 full-time jobs in Michigan have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“These projects will lead to new business growth, revitalized communities and more and better jobs for our residents. We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support these investments,” 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 American Chemical Solutions to expand in Michigan rather than in another state means good jobs for our residents and demonstrates the strength of our state’s manufacturing talent pool,” Mason said.

American Chemical Solutions (ACS) is a new company that recently acquired idled chemical manufacturing assets in Muskegon, Michigan. The site, which previously manufactured functional dyes for use in thermal and carbonless printing applications, was slated to be dismantled prior to ACS’s acquisition. ACS will resume functional dye manufacturing, as well as provide custom and contract manufacturing services on the more than 20-acre site. The company anticipates creating nearly 40 new full-time jobs and investing over $15 million into the facility, resulting in a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. ACS is led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Todd Zahn, a Michigan resident who brings decades of experience and expertise in the chemical manufacturing industry to the role. Individuals interested in careers with American Chemical should visit www.americanchemicalsolutions.com.

“ACS is proud to partner with the state of Michigan and officials from the city of Muskegon to restart an idled manufacturing facility here and create dozens of new jobs,” said Dr. Todd Zahn, chief executive officer of ACS. “We see a unique opportunity to create a strong, vibrant manufacturing business, one that will meet the needs of our customers around the world while helping to spur our city’s ongoing renaissance. We are thankful for the continued support from both the community and the state, which is integral to a successful launch and to the bright future we hope to create here in Muskegon, Michigan.”

“This is exciting news for our community,” said State Representative Terry Sabo. “High-tech manufacturing jobs are the future of Muskegon and Michigan’s economy, and this grant will allow American Chemical Solutions to provide opportunities for many hardworking families in the area to earn a decent living.”

“Today’s announcement is extremely exciting as it will not only revive a dormant chemical manufacturing facility that would have otherwise been demolished but will also bring significant investment and high-quality jobs to Muskegon County,” said Daryl Todd, director of Talent Initiatives. “The confidence American Chemical Solutions’ placed in our community demonstrates the depth of manufacturing talent we have as well as the strength of the business-friendly environment we’ve created to attract new businesses. We congratulate American Chemical Solutions, welcome them to Muskegon County, and look forward to their growth.”

The city of Sault Ste. Marie has been awarded $484,231 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Sault Ste. Marie Rental Rehab project in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The project will activate new residential space in the existing building by creating six apartments on the currently vacant and uninhabitable second floor. The project will activate 6,720 square feet of residential space, with a focus on preserving historic and original features. The project will include the eligible activities of interior demolition, construction of new interior walls, plumbing and mechanical upgrades to service the residential apartments. Installation of fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, drywall, flooring and painting will also be completed. The project will bring much-needed residential space to downtown Sault Ste. Marie, where the current supply is not enough to meet demand. Four of these apartments will be affordable and occupied by low to moderate income households. The project is expected to result in a total private investment of $323,454, and local support for the project includes the anticipated contribution of $7,625 by the city of Sault Ste. Marie.

The village of Paw Paw has been awarded $607,383 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the 210 East Michigan project in downtown Paw Paw. 210 East, LLC plans to renovate a vacant, three-story historic building into a mixed-use project that will include 9,000 square feet of commercial space and four two-bedroom apartments. The project will address the blighted conditions, while matching funds will be used for architectural and engineering, lead, and asbestos assessments and abatement and demolition. The building has been sitting vacant for many years with a failing roof and significant blight, and the CDBG funds will help make a holistic and historically appropriate renovation financially feasible. The project is expected to result in a total private investment of $668,893 which includes Van Buren County awarding Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Funds of $86,000.

The village of Paw Paw is anticipated to support the project through its Downtown Development Authority, which will sell the property to the developer for $55,450. Additionally, the village of Paw Paw plans to expedite the issuance of permits and approvals necessary for the project.

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.