85 New Jobs Coming to Ingham & Kent Counties

Certus Medical, LLC expands in Lansing, creating 25 new jobs, $202,000 capital investment; tesa tape, inc., relocating North American headquarters to Grand Rapids, creating 60 new jobs, $1.2 million capital investment

LANSING, Mich.- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two company expansions in Ingham and Kent counties, respectively, as part of their ongoing efforts to position Michigan as the ideal place for businesses to grow. Combined, the projects will create 85 new jobs and generate over $1.4 million in capital investment with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

"Today's announcement exemplifies Michigan's competitiveness in attracting businesses to two regions of this great state, creating 80 new jobs and generating over $1.4 million of capital investment across Ingham and Kent counties," said Governor Whitmer. "Our Make it in Michigan approach to economic development is paying off, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring new jobs, prosperity and growth to the state we all love."

"We continue to build upon the economic momentum Governor Whitmer has brought to the table with today's announcement," said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. "We applaud Certus Medical's expansion and welcome tesa tape's new North American headquarters to Michigan."

Certus Medical, a medical device company delivering high-quality products and services to healthcare professionals and their patients, is expanding in Ingham County. The company specializes in components used in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries.

Certus is renovating a building in East Lansing to add a dry lab to their current space, which will comprise of a 6,000-square-foot facility to expand its market reach and develop new customer relationships. With the support of a $125,000 Michigan Business Development program performance-based grant, the company will create 25 new qualified jobs and make a capital investment of over $200,000 in the city.

"Congratulations to the city of East Lansing as LEAP has landed an important new medtech company from outside of the region. We are so appreciative to Certus for their confidence in our blossoming medtech and knowledge-based, growing regional economy," said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). "LEAP's medtech initiative is taking hold helping to build a knowledge-based economy, along with our continued advanced manufacturing re-shoring efforts, building one of the nation's most diverse and advanced economies of the future. We also thank Governor Whitmer, the MEDC and our great federal legislators, Congresswoman Slotkin, Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow, who supported the EDA funding that seeded our medtech initiative with a $1.1 million grant three years ago."

"We are immensely grateful for the support and incentives provided by the state of Michigan," said Zac Gerdts, Principal, Certus Medical. "These resources will be instrumental in accelerating our economic development initiatives, enabling us to expand our operations and create meaningful opportunities for both our company and the community at large."

"I am happy to see Certus Medical has decided to expand its operations in Ingham County, injecting $202,000 into our local community and generating jobs for our residents," said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). "Certus Medical's expansion and investment in Ingham County was made possible with the support of Senate Democrats through the Michigan Business Development Program, which works to attract and uplift businesses that contribute to job creation and economic development in Michigan. I am excited to continue drawing forward-thinking companies to invest in our state and our people, actively fostering a more inclusive and robust economy throughout our region."

"The grant awarded for Certus Medical to expand acknowledges the pivotal role Ingham County plays in our state's prosperity. With investments like these, we're building up Michigan's economy by boosting business and innovation, and this investment will increase our capacity to meet health care needs across the state," said stateRepresentative Penelope Tsernoglou(D-East Lansing). "I commend Certus Medical for its commitment to our region and its contribution to advancing health care innovation right here in our backyard."

The jobs for Certus expect to pay an average hourly wage of $65.30 plus benefits, nearly three times the regional media wage of $23.02 per hour. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Indiana. LEAP is providing support through job training and talent recruitment valued at approximately $5,000 per employee.

tesa tape, inc., a subsidiary of Germany-basedtesa SE, plans to relocate its headquarters from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Grand Rapids. A leading manufacturer of self-adhesive solutions for the appliance, automotive, building supply, electronics, industrial, paper and print, and transportation industries, tesa's first North American operations outside of Europe located in Sparta, Mich., in 1982, where it still currently employs 174 Michiganders.

The headquarters relocation project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.2 million and create 60 new jobs in the professional and corporate services industry with the support of a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over the company's existing headquarters in Charlotte.

"By choosing to relocate their primary U.S. corporate function to Grand Rapids, tesa is playing a pivotal role in fostering a more prosperous region for families and individuals in our community," said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Attraction at The Right Place. "We're grateful for their continued investment in our region."

"Global companies like tesa recognize the exceptional value and amenities that downtown Grand Rapids offers for their professional and corporate services employees. The City of Grand Rapids is thrilled to see tesa tape's continued investment and growth in West Michigan and looks forward to welcoming 60 high-wage jobs to the city," said Jono Klooster, Acting Director of Economic Development for the City of Grand Rapids. "We're grateful to our partners at the MEDC and The Right Place for their efforts securing this important project, and for tesa's significant investment and confidence in Grand Rapids as a great place to do business."

"I'm thrilled that Tesa Tape was awarded this $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant," said state Representative Carol Glanville(D-Walker). "Having an international company of this caliber choose Grand Rapids for a $1.2 million investment signals confidence in the local economy and will add 60 new jobs to the area. I'm grateful to have this support from the state in building a brighter, more prosperous future for West Michigan."

The city of Grand Rapids has offered staff assistance in support of the project. Information on career opportunities with tesa tape can be found here.

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: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.

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