Gov. Whitmer Announces 210 New Jobs in Oakland, Eaton, Muskegon Counties
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three business expansion projects that will help create 210 new jobs and result in over $56 million in capital investment in Oakland, Eaton and Muskegon Counties. AJG Aerospace provides products for the space, defense and commercial airline industries and has announced their plans to expand their manufacturing capabilities and house their new corporate headquarters in the Township of Independence, Oakland County. Midwest Press and Automation is expanding their footprint in Delta Township, Eaton County to meet growing customer demand. Finally, Forming Technologies, a Muskegon-based thermoformed products manufacturer, is expanding their facility in Muskegon’s Port City Industrial Park to accommodate new business.
“Today’s announcements will create 210 good-paying jobs, drive more than $56 million of investment across the state, and build on our leadership in advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m grateful to all three of these companies for betting on Michigan and on Michiganders. We have the economic momentum, the workforce, and the tools to help businesses and workers succeed, and I will work with anyone to create even more jobs and bring even more investment to every region of our state. Let’s help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
“These investments in Michigan manufacturing, Michigan workers, and Michigan potential are helping us live up to our mission to ensure every Michigander can live up to their full potential,” said Lieutenant Governor, Garlin Gilchrist II. “When Michigan companies grow, prosper, and create jobs in Michigan, we all win. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan the best state to have an idea and build something great.”
“Midwest Press and Automation has long been a cornerstone of homegrown economic development in Eaton County. I applaud the MEDC for recognizing and investing in the immense role Delta Township plays in Michigan’s manufacturing industry,” said state Representative Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township). “I look forward to seeing the great impact this expansion will have for people in my community, including the creation of more quality, family-supporting jobs that will continue to make Delta Township the place to grow roots and build a life.”
“I’m excited to see a homegrown company like Midwest Press and Automation double down on its commitment to Mid-Michigan,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “This is a prime example of how local and state partnerships can stretch our state dollars further, generating accessible, high paying jobs with benefits for all Michiganders.”
“The Muskegon Area has a long and storied history of being on the forefront of manufacturing innovation,” said state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). “This investment by Forming Technologies, supported by the State, represents only the most recent of these transformational investments. Expansions like this push our community into the future of manufacturing. Development of a high-skilled 21st century workforce is always a top priority of mine, and this investment is just the latest.”
“I am delighted with the Michigan Strategic Fund’s decision to support Forming Technologies with a $500,0000 MBDP performance-based grant,” said state Senator Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon). “With this support, Forming Technologies will be able to further expand their footprint in West Michigan, with a capital investment of up to $18.76 million, the creation of 70 new jobs and retention of 91 jobs. I’m excited to see the expansion of Forming Technologies add to the growth and momentum of our Muskegon community and the West Michigan region.”
“Today’s announcements by AJG Aerospace, Midwest Press and Automation and Forming Technologies are proof points of Team Michigan’s successful execution of the ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy focusing on People, Places and Projects,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We remain grateful that these companies chose to ‘Make It in Michigan.’ We thank Governor Whitmer, the bipartisan legislature and our economic development partners for providing us with the Michigan Business Development Program grant tool to secure these investments in our great state. Work remains; however, we celebrate these three companies growing in Michigan.”
AJG Aerospace is a state-of-the-art aerospace startup producing aerospace invar bond tools, aluminum vacuum fixtures, carbon fiber bond tools, carbon fiber flight parts, aluminum flight parts and carbon fiber structural parts. Their clientele includes customers in the space, defense and commercial airline industries.
“We appreciate the engagement and support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. They worked with AJG Aerospace to create a win/win scenario as we embark on building a world-class aerospace company in Michigan,” said Andrew Greenlee, Chairman of AJG Aerospace. “A key factor in our decision was the talented workforce in Michigan that will be a critical factor in the success of our business. We couldn’t be more excited about the future in Michigan.”
The company is announcing their plans to lease and renovate a 120,000-square-foot facility in the Township of Independence in Oakland County. This new plant will function as a manufacturing facility as well as their corporate headquarters, as part of their long-term strategy to produce products for their target industries.
“We are all-in on advanced manufacturing in Oakland County and we’re excited to welcome AJG Aerospace to Clarkston,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This investment in the aerospace industry will help propel Michigan’s and Oakland County’s economy into an exciting future that is boundless.”
The investment in the facility is expected to result in capital investment of at least $33,785,373 and create 125 new jobs with the support of the Michigan Strategic Fund through a $1,000,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant. Two-thirds of the newly created jobs will start above the Regional Median Wage of $23.73. Entry level positions start at $20 per hour plus benefits with training in key elements of the business and the intention of being promoted to a higher wage level over the course of 12-24 months. Average wages are expected to be $34.25.
“As part of a continued partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, we are excited to welcome a state-of-the-art Aerospace startup to Independence Township. This facility will create hundreds of high-paying, professional jobs and strengthen our community’s workforce,” noted Independence Township Supervisor Chuck Phyle II. “The addition of a business like this reflects our commitment to fostering a thriving, high-quality job market in the Township. We are confident that this company will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and long-term economic success in our community.”
The expansion of AJG Aerospace follows announcements from Flash Steelworks and Loukus Technologies that build 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.
Midwest Press and Automation is a solutions-based company servicing the metal forming industry including machine repair, electrical diagnosis and repair, mechanical engineering and welding. The company is integral to the supply chain of many second-tier OEMs including companies in the defense, healthcare, motor laminations, agriculture, building fasteners and food and beverage services industries.
The company is announcing the expansion of their footprint in Delta Township to accommodate an additional 27,000 square feet of assembly and machining space to help with growing demand. The expansion is expected to generate a capital investment of approximately $4 million and create 15 new jobs with a starting wage of $32.00 per hour plus benefits, representing nearly $9 more than the Regional Median Wage. This project is being supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund through a $202,500 MBDP performance-based grant, paired with support from Delta Township through an anticipated approval of a real property tax abatement with a State Education Tax abatement from the MEDC.
“The Lansing region continues to be a great spot for investment, and for growing companies like Midwest Press with a bright future,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “This project marks yet another victory for our mobility manufacturing ecosystem, providing further evidence that the Lansing region is a mobility hot spot now and for the future. Of course, projects like this are only possible because of great partners, especially Delta Township and the MEDC. Congratulations to all!”
These state-approved funds will help offset the cost of expanding the company’s existing facility and expand production and its workforce, giving it greater capacity to remain a competitive firm in the industry.
For those interested in pursuing a career with Midwest Press and Automation, please fill out an application <HERE.>
Forming Technologies, a Muskegon-based heavy gauge thermoformed products manufacturer, has experienced a significant increase in business over the last several years. As a result of the new business, the company is announcing their expansion plans that will lead to the construction of a new building of at least 150,000 square feet in Muskegon’s Port City Industrial Park. This new facility will also serve as the company’s corporate headquarters.
“Greater Muskegon Economic Development is excited to see Forming Technologies expanding in the City of Muskegon,” said Greg King, Director of Economic Development for Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “This business expansion reinforces the skilled and dedicated workforce we have here in West Michigan. By choosing to remain and expand in Muskegon County, Forming Technologies exemplifies a commitment to innovation and support for the economic growth of our greater community.”
Forming Technologies anticipates the project will result in capital investment of up to $18,766,591 and the creation of 70 new jobs along with the retention of 91 jobs. Of the 70 new jobs, 24 have starting wages between $25 and $42 per hour plus benefits, which is above the Regional Median Wage (RMW) of $21.97 per hour. The remaining jobs have starting wages between $18 and $21 per hour plus benefits. While this is lower than the RMW, the ALICE Wage for Muskegon County is $18.08 per hour, and was considered when the initial incentive offer was offered. The Michigan Strategic Fund has supported this expansion with a $500,000 MBDP performance-based grant.
The company was considering South Bend, Indiana, as an alternative site, but with the respect the company has for the talent in the West Michigan region, alongside support from the MSF, the company chose to move forward in Muskegon. Due to the importance of this expansion to the local community, the City of Muskegon anticipates approval of a real property tax abatement in support of the project. In addition, the MEDC also authorized a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the locally approved abatement.
“The City of Muskegon is thrilled that Forming Technologies has chosen to make this significant investment in our community. Their track record of employing Muskegon area residents and providing jobs that can support our community’s families will continue in this brand new, 200,000-square-foot facility and represents another successful industrial development project in the city,” added Jake Eckholm, Director of Development Services, City of Muskegon. “We are grateful to have such capable partners in Core Commercial Realty, Greater Muskegon Economic Development, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that make this type of large project possible.”
The company was founded in 2004 in Muskegon with the mission of becoming a leader in heavy gauge thermoformed products. Forming Technologies and AMD Plastics, an unrelated Ohio-based thermoforming manufacturer, were purchased by North Carolina-based Duramax Holdings LLC DBA Otto Environmental Systems (OTTO) in 2022.
