A manufacturer of respiratory protection system technology specializing in military, first responder and industrial markets, Avon Protection Systems, will invest nearly $1 million to expand its Cadillac, Michigan, production center, creating 29 jobs.

The company, which has operations in Michigan, Georgia, Mississippi and the United Kingdom, plans to transfer all current manufacturing from its facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia to its location in Cadillac during the current financial year, investing $925,500 and creating 29 new jobs.

As a result, the company has been awarded a $100,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition, the City of Cadillac has offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement.

“Avon is committed to being a leading supplier of supplied air respiratory products. We continue to invest in new technologies and services and in delivering superior quality products to military, fire fighter, other first responder and industrial users,” said Avon Protection Systems Chief Executive Peter Slabbert. “We expect our customers to benefit from this consolidation through improved service and greater operational efficiencies.”

“Avon Protection Systems is a global leader in respiratory products, and its expansion will mean more jobs for Cadillac area residents,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation President/CEO Michael A. Finney. “Michigan leads the nation in manufacturing jobs growth, and the new jobs resulting from Avon’s expansion will keep us moving in the right direction.”