MI: Four New Business Investments, Expansions, Jobs Announced

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of state incentives to four business expansions under the Michigan Business Development Program across the state that are expected to generate millions of dollars in new investments and add new jobs in Michigan.

SMR Automotive Systems, USA, Inc. is a Tier 1 automotive supplier of rear vision systems. The company plans to expand its facility in the City of Marysville by adding a paint line and new equipment and reconfiguring the existing space. The company also plans to purchase a 100,000-square-foot warehouse in the City of Port Huron. SMR plans to invest $40 million and add 350 new jobs related to the projects, resulting in a $4 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The City of Marysville is providing property tax abatements in support of the project.

J.R. Automation Technologies, LLC designs, manufactures and maintains specialized automated machinery around the world. Established in 1980, the company provided automated machinery to customers within the automotive industry. In 2008, the company expanded into new markets which now include consumer products, food processing, pharmaceutical, medical device and aeronautic industries. The company plans to expand existing operations in Olive Township and Holland Charter Township, creating 90 new jobs and investing up to $4.2 million. As a result of the expansion, J.R. Automation has been awarded a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The townships have offered support in the form of 12-year property tax abatements.

Kay Screen Printing (d/b/a Kay Automotive Graphics) produces exterior graphics and trim parts for the North American automotive market. The company plans to construct a new facility in Orion Township, investing $12.9 million and creating 50 new jobs. As a result of the expansion, Kay Screen Printing has been awarded a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Lake Orion Township is offering a 12-year property tax abatement valued at $731,000.

Post Foods dates back to 1895 as one of the early pioneers in the ready-to-eat breakfast cereal business when C.W. Post came to Michigan and formed the Postum Company. The company currently has manufacturing facilities in four locations: Battle Creek, MI; Jonesboro, AR; Modesto, CA; and Niagara, ON. This project would consolidate the manufacturing headquarters into the Battle Creek facility, relocating key leadership roles to Battle Creek and closing the Modesto facility. The company plans to invest $30 million and create 92 jobs, resulting in a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The City of Battle Creek is offering support in the form of a property tax abatement.