The Right Place Supports Creation of 171 Local Jobs in West Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) May 21, 2014 -- Regional economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., The Ionia County Economic Alliance (ICEA), and its state and regional partners, today announced three West Michigan economic development projects that will bring 171 new jobs and $6.8 million to the region.
AvaSure LLC
$570,000 incentive from the MEDC for $1.9m capital investment in Plainfield Township; 110 local jobs projected over the next three years
Today’s approval of $570,000 in MEDC performance-based grants and local tax abatements will help bring $1.9 million in new capital investment and 110 new jobs to Plainfield Township over the next three years. The expansion site for Belmont-based AvaSure LLC will be located at 5801 Safety Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49306.
The new location will establish the company’s second Michigan location, and will focus on its manufacturing capabilities of producing technology and educational tools that support the nursing profession in improving its practice environment. Based on future strategic growth plans, AvaSure LLC plans to establish its own manufacturing capabilities and depend less on outsourcing production. The company believes that bringing manufacturing operations in-house will enhance quality and increase profitability.
“West Michigan hosts the largest concentration of medical device manufacturers in the State of Michigan," said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “AvaSure’s decision to expand in West Michigan further strengthens that position and affirms our strategic commitment to continue building a world-class medical device industry in the region.”
Local support for the project was provided by Plainfield Township in the form of a PA 198 tax abatement.
Manufacturing is set to begin in late 2014.
Steel 21
$4.5m investment in Algoma Township; 61 local jobs projected over the next three years
Algoma Township’s recent approval of a PA 198 tax abatement will help bring $4.5 million in new investment and 61 new jobs to the community over the next three years. Plans for a new business, Steel 21, come from President, Kimm Slater, and include a new 30,000 sq ft facility on a 60-acre parcel in Algoma Township, where 5 acres will be used. Steel 21 will be located at 4709 12 Mile Road, Algoma Township, MI 49341. Slater is also the former owner of both Maco Steel and Steel Craft Technologies.
Steel 21’s business model uses the latest in steel plate processing equipment to create faster, more efficient processing, cutting and machining methods. The company plans to start business with 31 employees but plans to add up to 61 new positions in the next 3 years. Positions created will include computer aided machine (CAM) Programmers, and Operators, Machinists, Die Set assembly, and inside sales.
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Algoma Township approved a tax abatement for the new facility and equipment.
Construction will begin in June 2014.
Belding Tool & Machine
$405,000 expansion in the City of Belding; New ownership making investments in both the company’s physical assets and its employees.
Belding Tool & Machine, based in Belding, MI, recently announced plans to bring $405,000 in new capital investment for machinery upgrades over the next several years to the local community. Purchased in August 2013, the company has started a period of major transition, making investments in both the company’s physical assets and its employees.
Representatives from ICEA are providing on-going business assistance and support for the company as it continues its transition. ICEA has connected the company to a variety of local and regional resources, supporting Belding Tool & Machine’s future growth.
Belding Tool & Machine (BT&M) located at 1114 S. Bridge Street in Belding, specializes in high quality precision tooling and die details for all types of manufacturing industries. Owner, Jason Markham, is focusing his attention on increasing the automation and market diversification of the business.
The company works with a wide variety of materials, such as; Tool Steels, Alloys, Powdered Metals, High Speed Steels, Carbon, Structural, Aluminum, Copper, Stainless, Bronze, Brass, Titanium, Rubbers, Plastics and Composites.
City of Belding is supporting the investment with the approval of a PA 198 tax abatement.
With this latest economic development project, The Right Place, working with its local and state partners, has generated $64.6 million in capital investment and assisted in the creation of 667 jobs in West Michigan in 2014.
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About The Right Place, Inc.
The Right Place, Inc. is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and technology in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. For more information visit: http://www.rightplace.org.
Tim Mroz, The Right Place, Inc., http://www.rightplace.org, +1 (616) 301-6791, [email protected]
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