Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces Grand Traverse Plastics expanding in Northern Michigan, creating 43 advanced manufacturing jobs

Grand Traverse Plastics investing $11.5 million to expand its EV operations in Northern Michigan, underscoring Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and future mobility.

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that Grand Traverse Plastics, a Tier 1 auto and material handling components supplier, is expanding in Whitewater Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The project is expected to require a total capital investment of $11.5 million and create up to 43 jobs, which will be supported by a $430,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in the Southeast region of the U.S.

“Michigan’s business climate and highly skilled manufacturing workforce are creating an environment where businesses like Grand Traverse Plastics can thrive and grow, creating good jobs around the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “This expansion in Whitewater Township cements GTP’s presence in Northern Michigan and adds momentum to our efforts to ensure Michigan’s manufacturers lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and workforce needs. With the help of companies like GTP, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever.” 

Grand Traverse Plastics Corporation, established in 1981 in Williamsburg, is focused on the production of engineered, plastic, under-the-hood components for battery systems, engine, and transmissions, as well as conveyor system components. GTP has recently been awarded new business related to electric vehicles and plans to expand at its existing facility in Whitewater Township, where it will add extended high bays, shipping docks, and manufacturing space.

“Grand Traverse Plastics and its excellent management team are excited and proud to participate in the transition to next generation electric vehicles and Industry 4.0,” said GTP Chairman David Eberly. “We are thankful for all the support, including coordination with local officials, provided by the MEDC, which has allowed our business to remain in Michigan and to continue to grow.”

The project will bring good pathway jobs to residents in the region. A leading employer in the area for 40 years, GTP believes in promoting employees from within. The company has a partnership with Northwest Michigan College’s lean manufacturing program and plans on developing an apprenticeship program in the near future.

The expansion will continue the company’s growth within the automotive and mobility sector and will also bring the further integration of technology and Industry 4.0 to rural Michigan. It aligns with the MEDC’s strategic goal of growing EV production in the state, along with an Industry 4.0 initiative launched at the end of last year to ensure 50 percent of Michigan’s small and mid-sized manufacturers are prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025.

“Grand Traverse Plastics’ continued growth in Michigan reinforces our state as the place where manufacturing and technology converge,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners to support the growth of GTP in Michigan, and look forward to working with them as we continue to help companies and our state lead the nation in Industry 4.0 readiness.”

Whitewater Township has offered to assist the company with the water infrastructure expansion needed for the project. For information on careers with GTP, visit here.

“Williamsburg and the greater Whitewater Township community will benefit from the planned expansion of the Grand Traverse Plastics Moore Road facility,” said Whitewater Township Supervisor Ron Popp. “We wish to recognize the hard work of many to make this expansion and additional employment opportunities it provides become a reality. Thank you to all.”

Learn more about Michigan’s Industry 4.0 readiness efforts at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/industry4-0/.

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.