Avon Protection Systems Inc. expanding in Cadillac, adding 29 jobs

Avon Protection Systems is expanding in Cadillac with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

LANSING, Mich. – Avon Protection Systems is expanding in Cadillac with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The expansion is expected to generate nearly $1 million in new private investment and add 29 new jobs. 

“Avon Protection Systems is a global leader in respiratory products, and its expansion will mean more jobs for Cadillac area residents,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Michigan leads the nation in manufacturing jobs growth, and the new jobs resulting from Avon’s expansion will keep us moving in the right direction.”

Avon Protection Systems, which has its US headquarters in the City of Cadillac, is a manufacturer of respiratory protection system technology specializing in military, first responder and industrial markets. The company has operations in Michigan, Georgia, Mississippi and the UK. Avon plans to transfer all current manufacturing from its facility in Lawrenceville, Georgia to its location in Cadillac during the current financial year, investing $925,500 and creating 29 new jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $100,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Mississippi. The City of Cadillac has offered support to the project in the form of a property tax abatement.

“Avon is committed to being a leading supplier of supplied air respiratory products. We continue to invest in new technologies and services and in delivering superior quality products to military, fire fighter, other first responder and industrial users,” said Avon Protection Systems Chief Executive Peter Slabbert. “We expect our customers to benefit from this consolidation through improved service and greater operational efficiencies.” 

Job seekers interested in a career with Avon Protection Systems can apply by visiting http://www.linkedin.com/company/avon-protection-systems/careers.

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.

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.