Granholm Announces Grants Supporting Job-Creating Projects in Montcalm County

Grants totaling $1.038 million to the city of Greenville and the village of Sheridan to support local manufacturing expansions and more than 100 new jobs.

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced grants totaling $1.038 million to the city of Greenville and the village of Sheridan to support local manufacturing expansions and more than 100 new jobs. The grants are made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“Dynamic communities are necessary for Michigan’s continued economic success,” Granholm said. “These kinds of projects help build the 21st century infrastructure that can support new business investment and job growth.”

A grant of $930,000 to Greenville will support the purchase of machinery and equipment by Zero l LLC to bring a production line to a leased facility in Greenville instead of China. Zero l, a designer and manufacturer of contract furniture and performance seating with five employees in Michigan, is investing $3.4 million in the project which is expected to create an additional 93 new jobs in two years.

A $108,000 grant to Sheridan will allow injection-molder Wright Plastic Products to operate more cost-effectively by hooking up to the village sewer system. The company, with 29 employees in Sheridan, will invest $275,000 in machinery and equipment needed to accommodate new business opportunities. The village will contribute $14,100 toward the project which is expected to create 11 new jobs.

“This showcases the importance of the CDBG program in helping communities facilitate business development and job growth,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. “The MEDC is pleased to partner with local and county officials in strengthening the regional economy.”

The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.

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.