Gov. Whitmer Announces 144 New Jobs with Four Business Expansions in Kent, Bay Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2024

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Gov. Whitmer Announces 144 New Jobs with Four Business Expansions in Kent, Bay Counties

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Whitmer announced four business expansion projects in Kent and Bay counties, which are expected to create 144 new jobs and generate nearly $72 million in capital investment, that have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

"Today's announcement shines a bright light on the breadth of Michigan's diverse economic landscape with four new business expansions in four distinct and key Michigan industries, creating nearly $72 million of capital investment and creating 144 new jobs," said Governor Whitmer. "Team Michigan applauds these companies' continued growth while creating new jobs for Michiganders and driving nearly $72 million into the state's economy."

"Michigan's economic momentum is surging as seen by today's announcement of these four Michigan companies' continued growth and the jobs they are creating as a result of their ongoing successes," said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. "Today's announcement truly epitomizes how diverse and resilient Michigan's economy is and we applaud their collective successes by 'Making it in Michigan'."

Schreiber Foods, Inc., a global employee-owned dairy processor, is a customer-brand leader in the production of cream cheese, natural cheese, process cheese, beverages and yogurt, is expanding in Kent County.

The company is experiencing significant growth and increasing customer demands, particularly for its consumer beverage products. To meet customer demand, take advantage of growing business opportunities, and ensure operational efficiency, Schreiber Foods is investing in additional capabilities while renovating its existing building space.

"Schreiber Foods' decision to expand their Wyoming operations underscores our region's business-friendly climate, especially in the food processing and manufacturing space," said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Attraction at The Right Place and Project Lead. "The Right Place is excited to see their continued success in our region."

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $59,367,000 and create 32 new jobs with the support of a $198,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to MSF support, The Right Place has offered support in the form of staff time and assistance. Click here for information on careers with Schreiber Foods.

"We're excited to grow our beverage plant in Wyoming, Michigan, and bring new jobs to the community. This investment sets us up to continue being an essential ingredient in our customers' success," said Jim Mackey, Global Tax Manager, Schreiber Foods. "We look forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship with the city of Wyoming and the state of Michigan. We're extremely proud to be part of the Grand Rapids community with all that it has to offer our employees and our business. We want to give back to that community as we look to do good through food and make a difference."

Celia Corporation, dba General Formulations, a manufacturer of adhesive vinyl film used in the print industry for advertising signage, is expanding capacity to meet demand in Sparta, Kent County.

The company has seen incredible growth over the years with all of its manufacturing based in Sparta. Since 1984, the company has grown exponentially and currently employs over 340 individuals in Michigan. The company is looking to purchase a new coating line and a Reverse Thermal Oxidizer (RTO.) The new equipment will replace some aging equipment and add capacity to meet increasing demand.

This expansion project is estimated to generate $6.9 million dollars in capital investment along with the creation of 52 new jobs in Sparta, with the support of a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. New jobs created will have an average wage of $26.39 per hour plus benefits, more than $6 per hour over the average regional median wage.

"General Formulations is excited to continue to invest in additional resources that will help grow the company and help us serve our customers," noted Brad Buettner, CFO Celia Corporation. We expect that this investment will generate up to $20 million in additional revenue and support many new quality jobs for our community.

The company considered alternative locations for this project, including existing facilities in California or Germany, or potentially a new location around Las Vegas, which would help to significantly reduce shipping and logistics costs and expand its customer base. The company chose to keep its growth local due to the talented workforce and capacity.

"Celia Corporation and General Formulations' decision to expand its operations in Sparta is a testament to our region's thriving business environment and skilled workforce," said Tristan Reuben, Business Development Coordinator at The Right Place and project lead. "We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to their continued growth and success."

Click here for career opportunities with Celia Corporation.

Packaging Compliance Labs, LLC, a rapidly growing medical device manufacturing service provider, supports global medical manufacturers with packaging engineering, packaging validation testing and contract packaging services, is expanding in Cascade Charter Township and the city of Kentwood.

The company, established in 2014, is experiencing significant growth and is looking to purchaseadditional equipment to significantly expand its workforce at the Grand Rapids area facility. With the addition of new services and an expanded client base, the company anticipates investing in specialized training for new test methods, engineering services and technology competencies.

"PCL is thrilled to continue our investment in West Michigan through talent development, facilities expansion and adopting new technologies," said Matthew Lapham, CEO and Co-Founder, Packaging Compliance Labs. "Michigan provides our team members with a wonderful quality of life, vibrant medical community and access to university educated professionals. We would like to thank The Right Place and MEDC for their continued support and look forward to a bright future in Michigan."

The investment is anticipated to generate approximately $4.5 million in capital investment and create 50 new jobs with support of a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. This project aligns with the MEDC's strategic focus area of supporting a business in the target industry of engineering, design and development. The proposed project will also impact the local region with immediate job growth with a rapidly expanding company.

Find information on careers or internships with Packaging Compliance Labs.

"The city of Kentwood is pleased to see the investment Packaging Compliance Labs and MEDC are making in our community," said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. "We value our business community and will assist Packaging Compliance Labs to reach their goals. We have and will continue to be open for business."

Future Technologies, Inc. (FTI), a provider of production leak testing systems, assembly automation, functional testing equipment and calibrated standard leaks with service and support, is expanding in Monitor Township.

"We fund programs like the MBDP because they are good for business, and Future Technologies' job-creating, 7-figure expansion is the latest good news for our Bay region's economy and workers," said state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D- Bay City). "These high-paying engineering jobs will attract talent our community needs to thrive, and it's great to see this investment build on hundreds of millions of new capital dollars committed to Bay County in 2023."

FTI provides services to major clients, including automotive companies that are engaged in conventional fuel systems and fuel cells, EV battery trays and covers and powertrain systems. The company is located in Monitor Township, where it currently houses 28 employees.

In order to keep up with the market as the automotive and mobility industry continues to transition from internal combustion engines toward more environmentally sound transportation, FTI plans to make physical improvements to its existing facility in Monitor Township, and add updated machinery and equipment.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1 million and create 10 jobs with the support of a $125,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The project supports the state's work to position Michigan as the global leader in future mobility and vehicle electrification and will bring immediate good jobs to the region. It will also solidify the company's presence and future growth in the state.

Monitor Township has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project.

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