Governor Whitmer Announces 85 High-Wage Jobs as Leading Precision Components Manufacturer Expanding in Southwest Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that precision components manufacturer C&S Machine Products is expanding its operations in Bertrand Township in Berrien County with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $34.5 million and create up to 85 high-wage jobs, supported by a $750,000 Jobs Ready Michigan performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over several competing sites in Indiana.

“This investment by C&S Machine Products will create 85 good-paying manufacturing jobs in Berrien County, underscores the strength of our talented manufacturing workforce, and the attractiveness of our business climate,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will continue growing Michigan’s economy and investing in our hardworking people and innovative businesses so they can thrive. Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing. This $34.5 million investment, supported by a $750,000 grant from the state will help us continue moving Michigan forward.”

C&S Machine Products, founded in 1966 in Buchanan, manufactures ultra-precision components for a variety of industries. Historically, the company has specialized in aerospace components. The company moved from Buchanan to Bertrand Township in 2016, where it currently employs 106 people.

C&S plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to include components for medical devices, metal processing, and hydraulic testing capabilities. This project that will require a physical expansion at its site in Bertrand Township to accommodate new buildings, machinery, and additional staff.

“Congratulations to the entire C&S Machine team on your continued success here in Michigan. We appreciate your vote of confidence in Southwest Michigan’s talented workforce and the Niles community as you grow your company,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. We are grateful to the Governor and legislators for the continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program.  We’re proud to join our partners at Bertrand Township, Cornerstone Alliance, and the Greater Niles Chamber as we celebrate this longstanding Michigan company’s expansion and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors.”

The project will bring high-paying jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry. C&S Machine is a premier employer in the area and works with local schools and colleges to recruit talent and offer co-op and internship programs. In addition, the company offers training opportunities to gain advanced manufacturing skills. Individuals interested in careers with C&S should visit https://www.candsmachine.com/careers/.

“C&S Machine has a longstanding partnership with the State of Michigan, including an Accredited Apprentice Program,” said C&S Machine Products CEO and Owner Dominick Saratore. “Michigan has been a great municipal partner, and we are happy to call Niles, Michigan, home for decades to come.”

“We continue to be impressed with the skills and performance of our team here in Niles,” said C&S Machine President Shaun Phy. “We look forward to aggressively expanding our business here making new investments in people, machinery, and advanced technology.”

“C & S Machine’s continued investment in Bertrand Township is proof that companies can recruit a workforce to Berrien County with a high-level of technical expertise,” said Cornerstone Alliance Director of Business Development Cathy Tilley. “One of Cornerstone Alliance's key goals is to retain and expand existing local businesses. We are thrilled that C & S Machines is expanding both their footprint and talent here in Southwest Michigan and congratulate them on their ongoing success.”

“There is great excitement in our community about the upcoming C&S expansion. C&S is a locally born and grown company that has been a fixture in our community for the past 56 years. During that time, they have distinguished themselves as one of the top employers in Southwest Michigan,” said Greater Niles Chamber President and CEO Jeff Rea. “This new investment sends a strong statement about their confidence in our region and the quality workforce that has helped them lead the way in the industries they work in. Projects like this don’t happen without a lot of great partners, and we’re grateful to the MEDC, the Cornerstone Alliance, Bertrand Township and everyone who helped advance this important project for our area.”

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.