Gentex Corporation, a high-tech supplier of electro-optical products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries, will expand its operations in Zeeland, Michigan. The $300 million project is expected to create 500 jobs.

The expansion includes a new 250,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, a 60,000 square-foot expansion of its existing facility, and a new 350,000 square-foot distribution center.

“We’re excited to announce that after two years of analyzing our manufacturing and R&D footprint, we’ve reached an agreement with the State of Michigan that supports our long-standing commitment to the state and provides the incentives necessary to facilitate our future growth initiatives in Michigan,” said Steve Downing, President and CEO of Gentex Corporation.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is supporting the project with $11.1 million in state incentives, with the City of Zeeland extending a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption. West Michigan Works! is supporting this project in the form of a Workforce Training & Hiring Plan which includes funding for on-the-job training and incumbent worker training.

“Congratulations to the entire Gentex team on your continued success here in Michigan. We appreciate your vote of confidence in West Michigan’s talented workforce and the Zeeland community as you grow your company,” said?Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board.?“We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of critical tools that make projects like this possible. We’re pleased to work with local partners like Lakeshore Advantage, the City of Zeeland, and Zeeland Charter Township to ensure Gentex remains a key partner in our work to grow this critical high tech, advanced industry in West Michigan.”

Lakeshore Advantage connected the company with local and state resources. Other partners include the City of Zeeland, West Michigan Works!, Zeeland Charter Township, Grand Rapids Community College, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“Gentex is our region’s largest employer and is an excellent example of a future-focused company expanding and providing high-skilled jobs in West Michigan,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “We are honored to support the growth of this local turned global company and we celebrate their continued success.”

Gentex Corporation develops, designs and manufactures automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors, camera-based driver assistance systems, HomeLink Wireless Control System and advanced technological equipment for the global automotive industry.