Business expansions bring new investments, signal continued economic recovery in Michigan

• Projects building on Governor Whitmer’s Back to Work Michigan plan expected to generate total private investment of $11.3 million, create 192 jobs in Michigan • Leading Michigan-based HVAC provider Goyette Manufacturing expanding headquarters in Flint, creating 90 jobs • Nutritional supplement manufacturer Uckele expanding in Adrian, adding 102 jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Two projects expected to generate a total private investment of $11.3 million and create 192 jobs in Michigan have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“These investments will create nearly 200 good jobs in Flint and Adrian as we continue implementing our Michigan Back to Work plan to get our state back on its feet,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “These business expansions demonstrate the strength of our state’s manufacturing talent and will support Michigan’s long-term economic health while creating opportunity for our residents.”

Goyette Mechanical Company, Inc., founded in Flint in 1928, began as a plumbing and heating business servicing homes, schools, churches, and small businesses in the greater Flint area. Today the company has grown to one of the largest plumbing and HVAC service companies in Michigan and has permanent offices in Flint, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, Tawas and Oscoda.

Goyette has outgrown its headquarters facility in Flint and needs to expand. The company plans to transform the existing headquarters into a high-profile, state-of-the-art headquarters and training facility on a refreshed campus site in the heart of Flint. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $4.65 million and create 90 skilled-trades and professional jobs, resulting in a $675,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the expansion over competing sites in several other states including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, among others.

“We are very proud of our nearly 100 years of doing business and creating jobs in Michigan and excited about the opportunity to further expand our footprint and workforce in Flint,” said Goyette Vice President Cherie’ Parks. “It’s promising to see the State of Michigan support projects like ours and businesses that are investing and growing in Flint and Genesee County.”

The project aligns with MEDC’s strategic focus of supporting a business in the target industry of technology and professional services. In addition, the company is creating long-term, equitable high-wage jobs for residents in an economically disadvantaged area. Goyette will offer comprehensive training for workers for the new positions that will provide them with transferable work experiences in high-demand industries.

The city of Flint plans to offer expedited permitting and/or staff time and resources in support of the project. Individuals interested in careers with Goyette Mechanical should visit https://goyettemechanical.com/careers/.

“We are proud to win this major investment in our community and keep Goyette Mechanical’s headquarters in Flint. Goyette Mechanical is a family business that built its foundation here and has thrived for generations. They prove Flint is a great place to do business,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “We are thankful for Goyette Mechanical’s ongoing commitment to the Flint community. Together, we will continue to move Flint forward in a positive direction.”

Uckele Health & Nutrition, Inc., established in 1962 in Blissfield Township, manufactures human and animal dietary supplements for retail, wholesale and contract customers. The company purchases ingredients and formulates its own line of supplements. Uckele currently has 171 employees in Michigan and also has a smaller facility in Toledo, Ohio.

Uckele is planning three large projects in the high-tech pharmaceutical supplement arena and plans to purchase two facilities in the city of Adrian that will allow the company to duplicate its current lines of production and invest in new equipment. As a result of the investment and job creation, Uckele has been awarded a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

The project aligns with MEDC’s strategic goals of supporting a business in the regional impact industry of agribusiness and will further solidify the company’s presence in Michigan. Uckele supports personal growth of its employees by fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement and offers external and internal trainings, seminars and courses. The company also promotes from within by providing pathways to higher-paying jobs.

Lenawee Now has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with Uckele, visit https://uckele.com/careers.

“Uckele is a multi-generational Lenawee-born business that we are delighted to see grow and prosper right here at home,” said Jim Van Doren, executive director for Lenawee Now, Lenawee County's economic development organization.

“These projects will have a significant economic impact in these communities while creating good jobs for our residents,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President at the MEDC. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners to support the investments by these longstanding Michigan companies, and look forward to working with them as they continue to grow and add jobs 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.