Gov. Whitmer Announces Two Business Expansions Creating 424 Jobs and Generating $23 Million of Investment in Genesee County

• Supply chain management provider NorthGate bringing up to 374 jobs to Burton, investing $13 million • Auto supplier DAG Technology establishing new manufacturing facility in Grand Blanc Township, investing $10 million

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce two business expansion projects expected to create 424 new jobs and generate a total private investment of $23 million in the Flint region have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“These investments will create hundreds of promising jobs for Genesee County residents as we continue to grow Michigan’s economy and build strategic industries across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. "Today's business expansions are helping us stay laser-focused on creating good jobs, growing our economy, and continuing to lead in key industries like manufacturing and supply chain logistics.”

“The decisions by NorthGate and DAG to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our state’s talented workforce and demonstrate our commitment to long-term economic growth in our state,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects reflect our commitment to taking a holistic, people-first approach to economic development while securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will drive our economy into the future.” 

Security Packaging, Inc., dba NorthGate, was founded in 1984 in Flint and provides supply chain management and packaging solutions including inventory, logistics, order fulfillment, scheduling, and transportation management services. The company has been recently awarded a multi-year contract with a major OEM to provide packaging services and fulfillment of auto service parts.

To accommodate the additional business, NorthGate plans to expand into an existing facility in the City of Burton. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than $13 million and create up to 374 jobs, supported by a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over several competing sites in Ohio.

The project will foster job growth in a regional impact industry of logistics and will bring a large number of pathway jobs to a geographically disadvantaged area of the state. NorthGate offers numerous training opportunities to its employees and believes strongly on promotion from within.

In addition, NorthGate partners with several Flint-area service agencies that work with disadvantaged and underrepresented populations and offers wraparound services to its employees to ensure their success in their careers. Adding the new jobs and investment in Michigan solidifies the company’s presence and potential future investment here.

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance has offered to assist the company in finding candidates for the new positions. Individuals interested in careers with NorthGate should visit https://go2northgate.com/careers/.

DAG Technology, Inc. is a subsidiary of DAG LTD. LLC, a global leader in decorative wheel trim supplying to automotive OEMs. The company currently has 25 employees at its headquarters facility in Sterling Heights, where it houses sales, engineering, quality, accounting, warehousing and logistics support.

DAG plans to begin onshoring its component manufacturing from its existing facilities in southern China at the request of its OEM customers. The company plans to establish this new manufacturing facility at a former Tier-1 supplier facility in Grand Blanc Township, where it will focus on assembly, paint and assemble, and injection molding. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $10.06 million and create up to 50 jobs with the support of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas and Mexico.

“The DAG team is proud to bring manufacturing to Grand Blanc, Michigan! We are excited to announce the opening of our new facility which will create local opportunities in the area and bolster long term relationships with our OEM Automotive customers,” said DAG Vice President James Hadel.

The project will help continue to grow the advanced manufacturing industry in the state and builds on the state’s work to capture a larger share of growth in the advanced materials industry. It also highlights Michigan’s strengths as a location for global companies looking to move manufacturing to the U.S.

DAG supports personal growth in its employees by offering specific on-the-job training as well as automotive OEM training with certifications. The company will utilize Michigan Works! and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas, and is open to helping employees by providing wraparound services such as transportation to work. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance plans to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly created positions. Individuals interested in careers with DAG Technology should contact Lindsay Rivenburgh at [email protected].

“DAG is a great company and a great addition to the roster of automotive OEM suppliers doing business in Genesee County,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “It’s a solid win for our region, and we’re honored to be part of the team on this attraction effort.”

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.