Business Expansion Brings 25 New Jobs, $2.2 Million Investment to Bay County

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a business expansion project in Bay City (Bay County), creating $2.2 million in capital investment and 25 good-paying jobs at Acra Cast, Inc., a foundry that produces metal components for over 15 industries. 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries from cars to defense,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement will create 25 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place for cutting-edge manufacturing and development that moves our nation forward. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”

“This announcement highlights how critical it is for the state to partner with Michigan-based companies to help ensure their growth and expansion take place right here at home,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We applaud the management and the team at Arca Cast, Inc.’s investment and their recognition that Michigan is a place where businesses can ‘Make It’ and grow.” 

Support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) was provided through a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in the amount of $100,000.

Acra Cast, Inc.’s Bay City expansion plans include providing more in-house capabilities (versus sub-contracting) which will result in an expansion of their customer base. The company’s continued growth has brought it to a point that allows for (a) increasing its physical footprint, (b) hiring additional employees, and (c) buying new equipment to meet expanded demand, while at the same time maintaining its high standards for quality, staying competitively priced, and ensuring a safe working environment.

"Over the last seven years we've increased our annual sales by 500% as more emphasis is being placed on American made manufacturing. The current round of improvements, totaling about $2 million dollars, will position us for even more growth,” said Richard Singer, President, Acra Cast, Inc. “With that growth comes an increased traffic load in and out of our facility, and the street in front of us is the only avenue in and out. In addition to the other state support we are receiving, the MDOT grant will additionally address desperately needed repairs and upgrades to the critical infrastructure that we rely on daily." 

Concurrently, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is announcing support for this expansion with a $752,428 Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A share. Funding will go towards reconstructing First Street from N. Johnson Street to N. Trumbull Street, including widening travel lanes while adding curb and gutter, a strengthened subbase, and new storm sewer infrastructure. 

The TEDF Category A will provide funding to upgrade the road surface and ensure the road is reconstructed to all-season standards, allowing Acra Cast, Inc. to ship products in and out of their facility more efficiently. 

“This infrastructure investment in First Street is a win for Bay City’s workers, businesses, and long-term economic health. Reconstructing this corridor will provide safe, reliable access for our industrial partners while supporting job creation and private investment,” said City Manager Dana Muscott. “We’re grateful for MDOT’s support through the TEDF Category A program, which helps communities like ours strengthen critical infrastructure and remain competitive for manufacturing growth.” 

Acra Cast, Inc., established in 1966, is a veteran-owned casting foundry that produces metal components for over 15 industries ranging from defense, automotive, machine tool, material handling, high temperature pintle chain, and pumps and valves with 128 active customers nationwide. Arca Cast, Inc. proudly utilizes the services of over 120 local Bay County businesses and dozens more throughout the United States and Canada. 

“The City of Bay City is excited to see this investment by Acra Cast. We value the commitment made by our longstanding companies and are so grateful for their continued commitment to creating jobs and investing in our community,” said Muscott. 

“I’m pleased to see this kind of investment happening right here in Bay County,” said State Rep. Timothy Beson (R-Bay City). “Expansions like this strengthen our local economy, support our workforce, and create new opportunities for families in our community. I’m proud to see efforts that will bring jobs and continued growth to our region.” 

In addition to MSF support, the City of Bay City is well along on the road to final approval of a real property tax abatement in support of the project. The MEDC also authorized a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the locally approved abatement. Lastly, Delta College has provided a workforce support proposal with an estimated value of $229,307. 

Learn more about pursuing a career with Acra Cast.

NOTE FROM THE MEDC: 

Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as milestones are reached, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature. 

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.