Governor Whitmer Announces Business Expansions Bringing 68 Good-Paying Jobs, New Investments to Cadillac and Fenton

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two business expansion projects expected to create 68 new jobs and generate a total private investment of $7.7 million in the cities of Cadillac and Fenton have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“Today’s investments by American Recreational Products and Rexair will create a combined 68 good-paying jobs for Michiganders as we continue growing Michigan’s economy and investing in every region of the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “With jobs growing every day, unemployment decreasing at a record rate, strong small business growth, and rising wages, our economy is on the move. I will stay focused on the fundamentals that matter most to working families and communities while ensuring Michigan leads the way in key industries like manufacturing. Our state is competing more aggressively than ever before to bring more jobs and investment to Michigan to grow our economy even further.” 

“The decisions by American Recreational Products and Rexair to expand in Michigan highlight the enduring strength of Michigan’s value proposition: talented workforce, diverse industries and the business environment focused on long-term economic growth,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects are representative of our holistic, people-first approach to economic development that rewards risk-takers while further securing Michigan’s leadership in the industries that will propel our economy into the future and benefit more Michiganders.” 

American Recreational Products is a subsidiary of National Composites, a manufacturer of composites and plastics for John Deere, Navistar, Crest Marine, Avalon Pontoons and more. The company has three locations in Michigan and employs more than 150 residents.

American Recreational Products’ facility in Owosso has reached its capacity with no options to expand. The company has identified an existing facility in the city of Fenton that can accommodate its existing business as well as a new fiberglass product line.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4 million and create 59 jobs, supported by a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Minnesota and Missouri.

The project will bring good manufacturing jobs to the area and will further cement the company’s presence in Michigan. American Recreational Products supports personal growth of its employees and takes pride in promoting from within. The company employs many veterans and uses local schools to reach talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees.

The city of Fenton anticipates approval of a five-year Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement in support of the project. Individuals interested in careers with American Recreational Products should visit https://nationalcomposites.com/careers/.

“National Composites is very excited to expand into the great city of Fenton. The opening of American Recreational Products will be a great new step for our company,” said National Composites Chief Executive Officer Adam Fenton. “It allows us to have a more targeted focus on the production of our proprietary boat lines, Paddle Wheeler and BOKA Marine, as well as open up more capacity and job creation opportunities at our other Michigan facilities.”

Rexair, founded in 1936, is a leading direct seller and manufacturer of premium vacuum cleaning systems for residential customers. The company’s principal product, the Rainbow® vacuum cleaner, is sold in countries around the globe through a network of third-party distributors. Rexair is headquartered in Troy and currently employs 228 people in Michigan.

Due to supply chain overseas, the company is bringing manufacturing of certain products back home to Michigan. Rexair plans to expand at its facility in the city of Cadillac, where it will install nine new injection molding machines. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3.35 million and create nine jobs, supported by a $48,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Kentucky.

“Rexair is excited to be working with MEDC and the city of Cadillac in our combined efforts to grow Michigan’s economy and employment opportunities,” said Rexair Environmental Health and Safety Administrator Jeff Nerem. “This is truly a team effort to invest in all our futures.”

The project will bring nine new jobs and retain eight jobs by onshoring a production line from China. In addition, the project will establish the company’s presence and future investment in Michigan. Rexair is focused on environmentally responsible manufacturing, and the new machines will decrease their power consumption by as much as 60 percent.

The city of Cadillac plans to support company by aiding with permitting or other requirements. For information on careers with Rexair, visit https://rainbowsystem.com/opportunities/request-information/.

“I am thrilled to learn about Rexair’s continued commitment to reinvest in their city of Cadillac, Michigan facility, and it is truly wonderful to see the impact of the collaborative efforts between the MEDC and the City result in such a positive outcome,” said Cadillac City Manager Marcus A. Peccia. “The creation of new positions coupled with nearly $1.4 million in capital investment will lead to more local sustainability for the Rexair facility, additional employment opportunities, and is another great example of viability of Cadillac as the place for economic development activities. A sincere thank you to both Rexair and the MEDC for making this investment in the city of Cadillac.”

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.