
Granholm Announces Three Company Expansions in Holland and Zeeland to Create 1,771 New Jobs
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Genzink, Request Foods, LeanLogistics to invest $47.9 million
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced three West Michigan companies—Genzink Steel Supply and Welding Company (Holland), Request Foods Inc. (Holland Twp.) and Inc. (Zeeland)—will expand as a result of assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Combined, the projects are expected to create 1,771 new jobs and involve more than $47.9 million in capital investment. Each company chose to expand in Michigan over competing sites in other states.
“We are working hard to diversify Michigan’s economy and these expansions demonstrate that businesses in a variety of industries are choosing Michigan for their growth,” Granholm said. “These are the types of projects that will grow our economy and create good-paying jobs for Michigan families.”
The three projects announced today:
“We worked side-by-side with these communities and Lakeshore Advantage to win these projects,” MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said. “Outstanding collaboration, combined with an exceptional workforce and competitive business climate, helped us prevail against some intense competition.”
The expansions are three of 20 economic development projects the governor announced today. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 9,495 Michigan jobs.
“With these significant expansions by a technology firm, food processing firm and a company aggressively pursuing the energy market, today’s announcement is proof positive that our area economy is growing and is diversifying into new markets,” Lakeshore Advantage President Randy Thelen said. “We appreciate the support of Governor Granholm, our state legislators and the MEDC in making these projects a reality.”
In her 2008 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of creating opportunity in the changing world of the 21st century. Since January 2005, the Governor and theMEDC have announced the creation or retention of more than 257,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Recent Press Releases