Gov. Whitmer Announces 140 New Good-Paying Jobs After Michigan Wins Two Business Expansions in Jackson, Macomb Counties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two business expansion projects expected to create a total of 140 new jobs and generate a total private investment of $10.4 million have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The projects are in Jackson and Warren.

“Today's expansions in Jackson and Warren by Commonwealth Industries and Home Depot will create and support 140 new good-paying jobs and build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs. Our bipartisan economic development tools helped us bring home $17 billion of projects securing 15,500 jobs. Recently, I introduced my budget proposal, which included investments in regional economic development, our bipartisan economic development fund, and other workforce and community programs to bring jobs and resources to communities Michigan. Together, we’ll keep supporting our talented manufacturing workforce and innovative businesses so they can thrive and grow in Michigan.”

“The decisions by these companies to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem and further demonstrate Team Michigan’s commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects are wins for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators of both parties and local officials for their continued support of our efforts.  These projects reflect our commitment to ensuring that Michigan becomes an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures. Work remains ahead, yet we are grateful for the vote of confidence that continues to be shown in Team Michigan’s economic environment.”

Commonwealth Industries relocating headquarters into former Comerica Bank building in downtown Jackson, creating 60 jobs

Commonwealth Associates, Inc., headquartered in Jackson, is an electrical engineering consulting firm whose primary services include engineering and design, consulting, and planning and studies. The company also provides expert licensing and design services for power generation, electric distribution line, transmission line, and substation projects, plus projects involving renewable energy. Inc

Commonwealth continues to grow as it expands into new industries and locations. The company has purchased and renovated the recently vacated four-story Comerica Bank facility in downtown Jackson that will serve as its new headquarters facility and showroom for customers.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.2 million and create 60 engineering and office management jobs, supported by a $400,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Texas and an additional proposal over hiring non-Michigan residents and having them work remotely.

“Commonwealth’s legacy began in downtown Jackson over 100 years ago,” said Commonwealth President and CEO Richard N. Collins. “The opportunity to repurpose an existing building – a building that Commonwealth designed in the 1950s – in the heart of downtown and become integral with the revitalization of the community is a long-term goal about to be realized.”

The project will create 60 well-paying professional and corporate services jobs in a geographically disadvantaged region of the state. In addition, the project will bring 120 existing jobs, significantly increasing density in downtown Jackson and adding to the tax base.

“It’s exciting to see another business move from a neighboring township into the city of Jackson,” said City Manager Jonathan Greene. “Commonwealth’s relocation reflects the forward momentum of our community and shows the city’s business-friendly efforts are making an impact.”

The City of Jackson Brownfield Redevelopment Authority also received MSF approval of $203,183 in state tax capture for reimbursement of brownfield activities at the site. The city of Jackson is supporting the project through approval of local tax capture.

For information on careers with Commonwealth, visit cai-engr.com/careers.

“It’s great to see a local company thriving and willing to reinvest in our community,” said Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson). “This project fills a vacant building in downtown Jackson with good, well-paying jobs. I’m excited to see the impact this could have on other nearby businesses.”

“Commonwealth Associates continues to show its commitment to Jackson and its residents with this project, which will renovate existing space, create new jobs, and increase economic activity downtown,” said Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). “Commonwealth Associates is already an important part of the vibrant Jackson community, and I am excited about this joint investment with the State of Michigan here in Jackson, making it an even better place to work, live, and raise a family.”

The Home Depot constructing new distribution center in Warren

The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, plans to build a new, state-of-the-art distribution center at the former Warren Transmission Plant in the city of Warren. The distribution center will provide same-day and next-day delivery to customers in the Midwest. The Home Depot facility is part of a larger project that will include the demolition of the existing structures, site and utility infrastructure development and 1.4 million square feet of new industrial space that will house multiple tenants.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $6.1 million and create around 80 jobs, supported by a $480,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Ohio.

Most associates in the new distribution center will prepare large or bulk items like lumber for shipping to stores and customers. The jobs offer consistent schedules and competitive pay, and The Home Depot provides growth and promotional opportunities, training programs, paid internships, and tuition reimbursement to its associates.

“Macomb County is very pleased to see this very large and recently idled corner in the city of Warren redeveloped for a new use so quickly,” said Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development Director Vicki Rowinski. “It goes to show that Macomb County's busy-friendly ecosystem is working as it should.”

The city of Warren has offered staff assistance in support of the project. Interested applicants can visit careers.homedepot.com for more information.

“This important project will be a huge boost to Southeast Michigan and our region, especially for the city of Warren and the communities in the south end of the city,” said State Rep. Donavan McKinney (District 14). “From talking with residents, I know that one of their biggest concerns are jobs and the economy. This is great news for Warren and the surrounding businesses in the area. It is an example of what a strong collaboration looks like between the State, Macomb County, and the city of Warren to help make this important project a reality.”

The Home Depot’s investment is the most recent example of large retailers choosing to establish distribution centers in Michigan due to the state’s prime supply chain assets. In May 2018, Amazon.com announced it was investing $150 million in a fulfilment center in Gaines Township, Kent County. The project was supported by a a$4-million Michigan Business Performance program grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. In June 2017, Kroger announced plans to open a new dry goods distribution center in Chesterfield Township, investing nearly $25 million. The project was supported by a $2,078,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

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.