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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Michigan Incentives Assist Business Expansions in Walker, Southfield and Port Huron

03/14/2019
Three business expansions received incentive support from the state Strategic Fund that will allow them to expand operations in Walker, Southfield and Port Huron, Michigan.

“Today’s MSF actions continue to help fuel new economic activity across Michigan, strengthening our communities and creating good jobs for our residents. It is through the effort of public-private partnerships that today’s projects are taking place, and we’re pleased to be a part of the collaboration to bring these projects to fruition,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

“The decision by these three companies to expand in Michigan underscores our business-friendly environment and the strength of our talented workforce,” he said.

In Walker, Michigan, BISSELL Inc., plans to add 25,000 square feet of office space at its corporate headquarters, which will allow for planned growth through 2020 and beyond. The project is expected to generate $10 million in private investment and create 100 jobs, resulting in a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition, The city of Walker has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project.

PJ Wallbank Springs, Inc., a global leader in clutch return technology, specializing in spring pack design and manufacturing for automatic transmissions, plans to expand its facility in Port Huron, Michigan.

PJWS was awarded a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in December 2016, as part of a project that was expected to create 68 jobs and generate private investment of $803,000. The company has been awarded new contracts and is expanding beyond the original scope of the project by acquiring an additional facility, in lieu of expanding its existing facility, and purchasing new equipment.

The expanded project will generate an additional capital investment of $2.4 million and create 40 additional jobs, resulting in an increase of its original MBDP grant by $205,880. Michigan was chosen for the expansion over competing sites in Germany and China.

“It is great to see to see the continued growth of P.J. Wallbank Springs, Inc., in the Port Huron Industrial Park,” said Mayor Pauline Repp. “The company has nearly 40 years of history in Port Huron and it seems like every year the company is expanding or improving their business operations and proudly showcasing Michigan-made products manufactured in the greater Port Huron region.”

The city of Port Huron is supporting the project by providing a new safety crossing connecting the company’s two facilities.

“The Port Huron region continues to be a focal point for manufacturing growth,” said Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. “We’re excited to see P.J. Wallbank Springs solidify its position in the community with its planned new investment and jobs, and we congratulate them on their success.”

Truck-Lite Co., a subsidiary of diversified transportation company Penske Company, plans to relocate its headquarters to the city of Southfield, Michigan in order to be closer to the supply chain and have better access to qualified talent.

The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $4 million and create 95 jobs, resulting in an $855,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

In addition, the city of Southfield offered a potential tax abatement for qualified investment, expedited permitting, a job fair, and staff assistance in support of the project.

“We are excited about the prospect of Truck-Lite relocating to the City of Southfield,” commented Mayor Kenson Siver. “Their selection of Southfield as their new base of operations clearly illustrates that we are open for business and continue to be one of southeast Michigan’s leading business centers. This project will result in almost $4 million investment and the addition of 95 new jobs in Southfield. We welcome Truck-Lite to the thriving Southfield business community and wish them much future success!”

“Truck-Lite Co. is an acknowledged global leader in the creation of a number of safety and visibility systems that support the automotive and heavy-duty truck industries, and we applaud its decision to relocate its headquarters to Southfield,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “Oakland County prides itself on its skilled and educated workforce, which we believe will serve Truck-Lite well in Southfield. Congratulations.”

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