Business expansions, community improvement project win MSF support to invest, add jobs in Michigan

Fuyao Automotive North America establishing new facility in Plymouth

LANSING, Mich. – A global automotive glass supplier will open a new facility in Plymouth with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

That expansion, along with two other business expansions and a community development project that have also received MSF approval, will generate a total private investment of more than $75 million and create 683 jobs in Michigan.

“Today’s projects demonstrate that we’re committed to sparking business growth, revitalizing communities and creating more and better jobs for Michiganders around the state,” said Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which administers incentives and programs on behalf of MSF. “Fuyao’s decision to further expand in Michigan rather than other locations means good jobs for our residents and underscores the strength of the state’s manufacturing talent.”

Fuyao Automotive North America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuyao Group, China’s largest automotive glass supplier and the second largest auto glass supplier in the world. Through its various subsidiaries, Fuyao Group supplies automotive glass products to virtually every automotive OEM in the world. The company is experiencing rapid growth and plans to open a new manufacturing operation in the city of Plymouth, investing $66.3 million and creating 533 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Ohio. The city of Plymouth has offered to coordinate and fund a traffic study that will be required as part of the site plan review and approval process. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Fuyao should visit http://www.fuyaousa.com/careers/.

Martinrea Jonesville LLC, part of Canada-based Martinrea International, produces steel and aluminum metal parts, assemblies, and modules and fluid management systems, primarily for the auto industry. Martinrea Jonesville plans to retrofit its existing facility to add production of stamped welded assemblies in the city of Jonesville, investing more than $6.8 million and creating 123 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $615,000 MBDP performance-based grant. The city of Jonesville has offered support to the project in the form of in-kind services valued at $20,000. Individuals interested in careers with Martinrea Metal Industries should visit http://www.martinrea.com/Public/Job-Postings.

Over a five-year span Martinrea has expanded its operations in Michigan and across the United States. The company employs more than 5,160 people at 14 facilities nationwide, including 1,560 in Michigan at six locations. Martinrea recently announced, along with the MEDC, it would build an all- new technical center in Auburn Hills to expand its research and development activities. That project is expected to be completed this summer. 

“The Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County recognizes Martinrea as a significant economic driver in our county and the region. We greatly appreciate Martinrea’s decision to choose Jonesville for their new growth and investment,” said Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County Executive Director Susan M. Smith. “The collaboration between local resources, the MEDC and Michigan Works! Southeast continues to make Region 9 a great place to do business.”

Poultry Management Systems, Inc. manufactures control systems and software used by the poultry industry worldwide. The company is experiencing increased growth due to industry standards changing to accommodate poultry farms transitioning to cage-free chickens by 2025. The company plans to expand to a new facility in Vergennes Township (Kent County), investing more than $2 million and creating 27 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $175,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in North Carolina, Georgia and Iowa. 

The nonprofit economic development organization The Right Place assembled a team of state and local resources to ensure PMSI’s expansion occurred in West Michigan. Vergennes Township has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. For information on careers with Poultry Management Systems, contact PMSICareers@bigdutchmanusa.com.

“This entire PMSI team is very excited at what this expansion will mean for the future of our company,” said Doug Powell, president, Poultry Management Systems Inc. “Having the business support of organizations like The Right Place and the MEDC let us stay focused on our business and ensure we can continue growing PMSI in Michigan.”

In addition, MSF approved $56,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to Chippewa County, which will co-finance a planning study, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation-Logistics Strategy. This project will enable the region to take another step toward achieving objectives outlined in its Michigan Regional Prosperity Initiative plan. Chippewa County’s grant will be matched by a combination of funds from the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional & Development Commission and the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. It is anticipated that the study will lead to the development of assets that will attract new companies and jobs to the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

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.