Area Development
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation reported the state’s Strategic Fund approved incentives designed to spark about $76 million in business expansion projects and create more than 380 jobs throughout the state.

“Helping businesses grow and locate in Michigan, transforming two of our urban downtown areas, and increasing economic activity at one of the state’s major ports will create more and better jobs and build upon our Great Lakes State quality of life,” said Governor Rick Snyder.

Michigan Business Development Program incentives include:

Carhartt, Inc., a 126-year-old garment manufacturer known for work clothes such as jackets, coats, overalls, coveralls and vests, plans to expand its headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, investing nearly $18.6 million and creating 215 jobs.

As a result, the company has been awarded a $1.35 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites on the East and West Coasts where top-tier talent related to the garment industry is more readily available. Dearborn has offered support to the project in the form of an eight-year property tax abatement.

NEAPCO Drivelines was originally the New England Auto Parts Corporation of Hartford, Connecticut. with the trademark NEAPCO was adopted in 1924. The company was a supplier of universal joints and shafts to the farm equipment market in the 1930s, and today supplies to OEM manufacturers and the worldwide automotive industry. NEAPCO plans to expand its driveline operations in Van Buren Township, Michigan, and also expand its headquarters in the metro Detroit area, investing $57.7 million and creating 167 jobs.

As a result, the company has been awarded a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Mexico. In support of the project, Automation Alley is providing a Foundation Level membership.

Valiant Corporation is a leading full-service provider of automated production systems, tooling, and specialized machines for a broad range of transportation related end markets including automotive, aerospace & defense, and construction & forestry equipment.

Founded in 1959 in Windsor, Canada, the Valiant-TMS Group of Companies currently employ approximately 1,400 team members in 23 facilities in 14 countries around the globe. The company, through its subsidiary Valiant International, Inc., has been operating an Advanced Technology Engineering Center in Troy, Michigan since 1983. Valiant TMS has entered into a purchase agreement for a facility in Auburn Hills. This 187,000 square foot facility will provide the company with much needed technical, assembly and training capacity to support future growth in North America. The closing of this acquisition will take place on March 31, 2016 with occupancy planned for the second quarter of 2016.

The project will generate a capital investment of nearly $32.7 million and create 223 jobs over a three year period beginning in spring 2016, resulting in a $2.3 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Auburn Hills has also offered support to the project in the form of an eight-year property tax abatement.