70 New Jobs Coming to St. Clair, Emmet Counties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two expansion projects creating 70 jobs and generating over $16 million in capital investment in Southeast and Northwest Michigan. Flash Steelworks has announced an expansion project that will result in $8.8 million of capital investment and create 55 jobs in St. Clair County. In Northwest Michigan, Aster Brands is announcing their expansion that will result in 15 new jobs in Emmet County and investing over $7 million in their new facility.  

“Today, I’m excited to announce two Michigan companies are expanding operations in our state, building on our work to grow Michigan's economy by creating 70 good-paying jobs in St. Clair and Emmet Counties,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since taking office, I’ve been committed to making sure that anyone can make it in Michigan. That’s why I’ll work with anyone to keep helping companies invest and grow right here in Michigan. Together, let’s keep leading the future of manufacturing by bringing jobs and supply chains home.”  

“As we execute the ‘Make It In Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects, Team Michigan is proud to support and earn the investment of two Michigan-born companies expanding their manufacturing operations,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “Flash Steelworks and Aster Brands are yet two of countless examples of expanding businesses growing in Michigan’s vibrant economic landscape. Alongside Governor Whitmer, bi-partisan state legislature and local partners, the MEDC remains diligent in our efforts to support risk-taking small and medium-sized businesses looking to ‘Make it in Michigan.’ Work remains and we are committed to doing it!” 

Flash Steelworks, founded in 2006, is a research and development firm and steel manufacturer that developed and globally patented a novel heat treatment for steel. The process is energy efficient using renewable power sources. The resulting product, Flash Bainite, is made from commercially available, low-cost steel, thus keeping budgets reasonable. The company manufactures products that can be used in armor, automotive, bridges, containers, energy components, I-beams, rebar, ships, seawall, and more.  

“Founded 20 years ago in the Arsenal of Innovation, with a keen focus to protect Democracy, Flash Steelworks creates steel that is stronger than titanium, lighter than aluminum, and is able to stop speeding bullets at record-setting velocity,” said Gary Cola, CTO & Founder of Flash Steelworks. “We are excited to continue working with the MEDC to advance Flash Technology research and full-scale production in St Clair County. While creating good paying skilled jobs, Flash Steel will better protect those in harm’s way, be it in an automobile or armored carrier.”  

The company is announcing their expansion plans to install a Flash Armor Production line to support new contracts and begin production of the world’s highest performing armor plate, as tested by the U.S. Army. The expansion is anticipated to result in a capital investment of nearly $9 million and create up to 55 new jobs with the support of the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant in the amount of $750,000. Newly created jobs will have an average wage of $32.82, over $12 greater than the regional median wage of $20.61.  

“The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is proud to have been a part of bringing Flash Steelworks to Ira Township. The company’s advanced process of flash heating and cooling creates a high value and weldable steel that has successfully earned the business several government contracts,” noted Kristy Jones, Director of Business & Community Development Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. “The EDA welcomes Flash Steelworks to St. Clair County and is thankful for the new investment and skilled job opportunities it brings to the region.”  

In addition to support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the company has been awarded three Phase Three Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to fabricate full-scale production equipment.  

The expansion of Flash Steelworks builds on Michigan’s long-standing leadership in the defense sector with the help and support of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). ODAI supports a defense industry that contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, with more than 166,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries.  

Aster Brands is a family-owned business with deep roots in Northern Michigan going back to 1915. The company, which specializes in steel forming systems for concrete product manufacturing, is announcing their plans to establish their new headquarters in Little Traverse Township, Emmet County.  

“Aster Brands, a division of The Manthei Group, specializes in sales, marketing, and intellectual property, creating opportunities for concrete producers worldwide. After outgrowing our facilities, we chose to continue to invest in Northern Michigan as we are driven by a strong purpose to grow our business and support the local community,” said Jake Manthei, President of Aster Brands. “We are deeply grateful for MEDC's support in making this vision a reality.”  

With the acquisition of the new building at 8212 M-199 in Harbor Springs, the company will now have the space needed to continue investing in manufacturing equipment to insource more steel manufacturing to develop new, larger product categories. This project is anticipated to generate at least $7,225,000 in capital investment and create 15 new jobs in the area with starting wages of $21 per hour plus benefits, which is greater than the regional median wage. The Michigan Strategic Fund has provided support to help ensure this project stays in Michigan through a $750,000 MBDP performance-based grant.  

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about Aster Brands’ continued success and growth in our region. The family-owned company is known for their innovation, commitment to their employees, and dedication to the community,” said Payton Heins, President & CEO, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “Their investment, supported by the MEDC, will create new family-sustaining jobs, accelerate global innovation in the concrete manufacturing industry, and reactivate a vacant industrial site to drive further economic growth right here in Northern Michigan.”  

The company considered facilities in Florida where it has existing space that could house the new manufacturing equipment; however, with state support, the company would prefer to move forward in Northern Michigan.  

"Northwest Michigan Works! is proud to support Aster Brands in establishing their new headquarters in Harbor Springs, building on decades of doing business in Northern Michigan,” said Jessica Willis, Director, Northwest Michigan Works! “This expansion means 15 new jobs for families in the region, a win-win for the community and local economy. We look forward to partnering with MEDC and Aster Brands in their continued success!"  

For those interested in pursuing a career with Aster Brands, learn more on their website.

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.