Two Economic Development Projects Create 144 Good-Paying Jobs in Northwest Michigan

Projects include the expansion of Highfield Boats’ assembly operations in Wexford County and Cambium Analytica’s enhanced natural food testing capabilities in Grand Traverse County, supporting economic growth and opportunity for local families and businesses.

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two economic development projects in Northwestern Michigan that will create 144 good-paying jobs and generate $4.35 million in capitol investment. These projects include the expansion of Highfield Boats’ assembly operations in Wexford County and Cambium Analytica’s enhanced natural food testing capabilities in Grand Traverse County, supporting economic growth and opportunity for local families and businesses.  

“Today’s projects will create 144 good-paying jobs and continue growing the economy in Wexford and Grand Traverse counties,” said Governor Whitmer. “From expanding operations at Highfield Boats to enhancing food testing capabilities at Cambium Analytica, these investments will create more opportunities for workers while helping two leading companies in their respective fields grow. Let’s keep working together to deliver on our comprehensive economic development strategy and make Michigan an even better place to live, work, and invest.” 

“Team Michigan is excited to announce both Highfield Boats and Cambium Analytica’s expansion projects in Cadillac and Traverse City,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We applaud these organizations for recognizing that Making it in Michigan truly is the right choice for growth, access to world-class talent and leveraging two of the state’s key industries – manufacturing and research and development – in the outdoor recreation and engineering sectors.” 

Wright & Johnson N.A., dba Highfield Boats, founded in 2011 and the world’s #1 manufacturer of aluminum rigid inflatable boats and tenders, has announced plans to expand production capabilities in Cadillac, Wexford County. 

The expansion is expected to generate over $3.1 million in capital investment, creating 110 qualified new jobs with an average hourly wage of $24 plus benefits – $3.38 per hour higher than the regional media wage – with the support of a $990,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. 

“Our investment in Michigan marks the company’s first major investment to the U.S. market and we chose Cadillac for its rich legacy in recreational boat building and the unwavering support of both the local and statewide communities,” said Christophe Lavigne, President Highfield USA. “The confidence demonstrated by Marcus Peccia and the Cadillac team played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this investment. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all parties involved for their unwavering support of our project.” 

With dealers and distributors in 48 countries, Highfield is the largest aluminum RIB (rigid inflatable boats) producer in the USA. This new facility will be a hull and assembly production operation and when at full capacity will employ 75 hourly employees including welders, fiberglass specialists, PNC operators, painters, engine installers and electricians, as well as 35 salaried positions. 

“On behalf of the City of Cadillac, we welcome Highfield USA’s hull and assembly production expansion, and grateful for their continued commitment to operating in our city,” added Marcus Peccia, Cadillac City Manager. “Cadillac has been home to boat manufacturing for generations, and it is exciting to see this new company in our community expand and further plant roots. The collaboration between the State of Michigan, our industry and our city has been exceptional, and I am humbled to be part of this special alliance.” 

This project represents a big win for the region and state by attracting a successful company that will adapt a facility formerly used as a shipping/distribution center, which has been closed for several years, into a state-of-the art rubber inflatable boat manufacturing facility. This new production facility will be integrated well into a region that has a rich history of boat manufacturing. 

In addition to MSF support, the city of Cadillac is offering staff time and resources in support of the project as it uses a “hands-on” approach to working with all industries. 

Cambium Analytica, founded in Traverse City, is a next-generation B2B analytical testing, product development, and contract research company that services natural foods, dietary supplements, and botanical products industries. Today, the company is announcing expansion plans to increase its capacity with the purchase of equipment for laboratory testing that will enable further scientific research and drive innovation into several aspects of their business, most importantly through their new subsidiary, Turquoise Environment. 

The expansion is expected to result in a capital investment of $1.2 million and create 34 new jobs with the support of a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Jobs created will pay an average wage of $26.80 per hour plus benefits, over $6 per hour above the regional median wage. 

"Turquoise Environmental has built its new PFAS testing laboratory in Traverse City, a community that deeply values the protection of Michigan’s natural resources,” said Alex Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Cambium. “Our commitment is clear: to be an impactful partner in safeguarding our valuable freshwater ecosystems and the well-being of current and future generations of Michigan residents."  

With today’s announcement, the company will expand its engineering services to clients in Michigan and across the United States. This diversification of Cambium’s services will allow the company to continue a trajectory of growth in Michigan’s engineering, design and development sector. 

“Cambium Enterprises is a rapidly growing startup founded in Traverse City, exemplifying the region’s expanding advanced technology industry,” said Warren Call, President and CEO of Traverse Connect. “The investment from the Michigan Strategic Fund will enhance advanced testing and development in the agriculture and natural product markets in Michigan and beyond. This investment will also create local, high-quality, family-sustaining careers, contributing to bolstering the Traverse City region’s year-round economy.” 

“This is an exciting investment for jobs and economic development in the Traverse City region,” said state Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “I’m glad to support the $200,000 economic development funding from the state, with the goal of ensuring more well-paying jobs in scientific research are brought to the region. Cambium Analytica has a strong record of hiring Michigan talent including many from right here in northern Michigan and this expansion will allow more people and families to stay in the region and our state, as well as provide for an increase in economic activity.” 

Since 2019, when the company was founded, they have grown to 78 employees in the United States, 73 of which are Michiganders. This growth has been fueled by innovation, consumers’ increased desire for transparency, and utilizing the next generation laboratory space in Northwest Michigan. 

 

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.