Recreational vehicle manufacturer BRP Inc. will increase manufacturing and warehousing capacity in St. Johns, and expand its Manitou pontoon boat plant in Lansing, Michigan. The projects combined are expected to create roughly 200 jobs.

BRP acquired Manitou in 2018 as part of its strategy to transform the customer experience, and bring game-changing innovation to the marine industry.

"The strong, sustained demand we have seen for our products is a testament to their durability and quality. BRP has continued to grow its marine portfolio with strategic acquisitions of world class brands like Manitou, Alumacraft, and Quintrex, and expanding their production capacity," said Karim Donnez, Senior Vice President, Marine Group, BRP. "As with all our products, we are committed to gaining market share in this sector and we rely on Michigan's highly skilled and experienced workforce to continue helping us in achieving our goals."

With the assistance of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), BRP received performance-based workforce training credits and grants. The package includes workforce development support from local colleges, and Capital Area Michigan Works!, as well as ob creation jincentives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"BRP's continued investment in Michigan underscores our state's manufacturing leadership, the strength of our business climate and talented workforce," said?Quentin Messer, Jr.,?CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Headquartered in Valcourt, Quebec, Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., operating as BRP, is a manufacturer of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and personal watercraft. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Finland, Austria and Australia with a total workforce of more than 14,500.

"When fast-growing, worldwide companies, like BRP, choose to expand in the Lansing region, it speaks volumes about our region's ability to compete internationally," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. "Our robust business support system, world-class engineering talent pipeline and culturally rich communities are winning the day once again. Of course, projects like this are possible because of great partners, including the MEDC, LCC, CAMW!, Watertown Township and city of St. Johns. Congratulations to all!"