Amway receives state support for new facility in Ada

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $1.6 million Michigan Business Development Program incentive for Amway to build a new facility in Ada Township

LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $1.6 million Michigan Business Development Program incentive for Amway to build a new facility in Ada Township, a project that will generate up to $80.95 million in new private investment and add up to 200 new jobs. 

“Amway,with more than 4,000 employees currently in Michigan,is a major employer in our state and its decision to expand here says much about our improved business climate,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Amway’s continued commitment sends a message that will be heard around the world that Michigan’s highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities mean real opportunities for leading edge businesses.” 

Amway plans to invest up to $80.95 million to open a new operation related to the manufacture of nutritional products in the Township of Ada. The operation is planned to produce tablets and softgel capsules, resulting in the creation of 200 new jobs. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in other states. Ada Township has offered support to the project in the form of a 12-year tax abatement.  

“NUTRILITE is integral to the future of Amway as the world’s number one selling vitamin and supplement brand,” said Amway Chairman Steve Van Andel and President Doug DeVos in a joint statement. “By bringing a second nutrition product manufacturing plant to our home market of Michigan, we are helping our distributors meet the growing customer demand for our NUTRILITE products. We are pleased to work in partnership with the MEDC and The Right Place in bringing this investment to West Michigan. This type of collaboration is critical in driving long-term business growth across the state.”  

“Amway’s investment is very encouraging to The Right Place, and to the region as well, as this announcement demonstrates that manufacturing remains strong and growing in West Michigan,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “We applaud Amway for expanding NUTRILITE brand operations and workforce in its hometown. We are pleased to see 200 new Amway jobs to the region.”   

Signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder in December, the Michigan Business Development Program provides grants, loans and other economic assistance to qualified businesses that make investments or create jobs in Michigan, with preference given to businesses that need additional assistance for deal-closing and for second stage gap financing.   

The MSF will consider a number of factors in making these awards, including: out-of-state competition, private investment in the project, business diversification opportunities, near-term job creation, wage and benefit levels of the new jobs, and net-positive return to the state. Business retention and retail projects are not eligible for consideration of these incentives.  

The Michigan Business Development Program replaces the state’s previous MEGA program that was a feature of the Michigan Business Tax that was eliminated under business tax restructuring legislation approved and signed into law by Snyder in May 2011.  

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.