Leading software provider Konnech creating up to 51 high-wage jobs in East Lansing

• Investment further underscores Mid-Michigan as hub for high-tech jobs • Project will bring offshore jobs to facility in East Lansing that will serve as the company’s headquarters

LANSING, Mich. – Mid-Michigan continues to secure its position as a hub for high-tech jobs as Okemos-based Konnech, a leading provider of election management software, expands and establishes its headquarters in East Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $293,610 and create 51 well-paying new jobs over a two-year period. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Los Angeles or the possibility of keeping the jobs in offshore locations.

“Konnech’s growth is great news for our state, our families, and our economy, and further underscores the competitive advantages our state has to offer growing tech businesses,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our future is bright, and thanks to companies like Konnech and partners like MEDC, LEAP, the MSU Foundation, and others, we can stay laser-focused on growing our economy and creating good jobs for Michigan residents.”

Founded in 1999 in East Lansing and incorporated in Okemos in 2002, Konnech provides election management solutions including programming, hosting, technical support and training of election logistics services to large U.S. cities and counties. Konnech also exports many of its products to customers in Canada and Australia.

Konnech needs to attract and retain a pipeline of talent and has made the decision to onshore some of its contracted services, requiring a relocation of its operations to a larger facility in downtown East Lansing. The facility will also serve as the company’s headquarters. The project is being supported by a $306,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, which is needed to help bring the positions onshore as well as to identify and retain talent.

“Konnech is in rapid expansion mode to meet worldwide demand for our product and services. With MEDC, LEAP, MSU, LCC, and the local community’s support, Konnech is developing a world-class brand and bringing high paying job opportunities to the Lansing region,” said Eugene Yu, president of Konnech Inc. “Our new lease within the MSU Research Park will help us to interact closely with MSU faculty and students. Through the MSU Innovation Center, Konnech is turning MSU technologies into cutting-edge products, which will greatly benefit the world. Our five-year goal is for Konnech to become a worldwide company name associated with Lansing, Michigan.”

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC by supporting a business in the technology industry and fostering high-wage job growth. Konnech will provide immediate, high-wage jobs to employees with different levels of software knowledge, and plans to offer targeted internships with flexible schedules to area students. Establishing the headquarters location in East Lansing will solidify the company’s presence and future growth in the state.

“Congratulations to the team at Konnech on your impressive growth and success! We appreciate your vote of confidence in the incredible talent and competitive business climate here in Michigan,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “This project is a win for Mid-Michigan and for the entire state. We’re pleased to work with LEAP, the MSU Foundation, and other local partners to bring these high-wage, high-tech jobs to the area, and we look forward to working with Konnech as it continues to grow in Michigan.” 

Konnech will lease the second floor at 325 East Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing from Michigan State University Foundation.

“On behalf of the MSU Foundation, we want to officially welcome Konnech to the City Center building as they continue to grow and engage with our student and alumni community to create the next generation election systems around the world,” said Jeff Smith, director of real estate at the MSU Foundation.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) assisted Konnech in making connections and accessing programs to retain the company’s investment in the region, including Lansing Community College’s Business and Community Institute and Capital Area Michigan Works! for workforce development, Michigan State University for connection with faculty and students, and the MEDC.

“When a diverse and leading technology company is growing fast and chooses the Lansing region for expansion, it speaks volumes about our region’s ability to compete with any tech hub in the nation,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Our business support system, higher education talent pipeline and culturally rich communities are winning the day once again. As usual, many thanks go to our great partners, including the MEDC, LCC, CAMW!, MSU, MSU Foundation and the city of East Lansing, for coming together to help Konnech expand in East Lansing. Congratulations to all!”

Individuals interested in careers with Konnech should contact Dylan Polcyn at dylanp@konnech.com, or call (517) 381-1830 for more information.

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.