Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation and MEDC celebrate groundbreaking of manufacturing facility

New 20,000-square-foot industrial building will become transportation and logistics hub for Maple Transport, Inc., supporting U.P.’s forest products industry

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) celebrated the groundbreaking of a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will serve as a transportation and logistics hub for Maple Transport, Inc., a wood and lumber dealer in Hessel, Michigan. Chippewa County EDC was joined by representatives of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), InvestUP, and Dakota Baker, Deputy Chief of Staff for Sen. John Damoose, for the groundbreaking event.

The project, supported with $5.8 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding and $1.25 million in matching funds from the MEDC’s former federal match program, will help to further support the state’s $20 billion forest products industry. The Chippewa County EDC is contributing an additional $842,310 to the project.

“I want to thank the MEDC, EDA, and our Regional Partner InvestUP,” stated Chippewa County EDC President Chris Olson. “We believe this infrastructure investment in Chippewa County is of immense importance to the region, as it will create employment opportunities to a rural and undeserved community in the Upper Peninsula.” 

The new manufacturing facility will be suitable for up to three tenants, including Maple Transport, Inc., which has committed to creating 10 new jobs in addition to five retained jobs for its expanding operations. The project also includes infrastructure enhancements with the construction of a railroad spur, extension of municipal water, parking and driveway access from W. Kincheloe Street, and an on-site sewer system.

“Maple Transport, Inc. values the economic opportunity provided to us by this new facility,” said Andrew Jaroche, President of Maple Transport, Inc. “We are especially grateful to the Economic Development Administration, Chippewa County EDC, InvestUP, the multiple state partners Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development as they have been critical in making this project a reality.”

“I am so excited that MEDC was willing to award this grant to Maple Transport – one of the most important projects that will help grow the economy of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and the entire State of Michigan,” said Sen. John Damoose. “Congratulations to the grant recipients, Chris Olson, and the entire Chippewa County EDC! Your hard work and persistence have delivered for our entire region!”

“We are excited that the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, under the leadership of Chris Olson, will have even further opportunity to advance prosperity for the region through this critically necessary multi-tenant manufacturing facility, which is uniquely designed to be flexible space that provides expansion opportunities through an existing rail spur,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP. “Because of the commitment and investment of the MEDC and the EDA, to whom we offer our appreciation, the region will be better able to attract investment in target markets in base manufacturing and create needed jobs for the region.”

The Chippewa County EDC was also recently awarded a $325,000 Strategic Site Readiness Program grant through InvestUP’s allocation, which will support infrastructure improvements for Maple Hardwoods, Inc., a sister company of Maple Transport, Inc. – further strengthening the forest products industry in the Upper Peninsula and across the state.  

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.