182 New Jobs, Three Business Expansions coming to Mid and West Michigan

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced three new small business expansion announcements in Hillsdale and Jackson Counties, Berrien and Kalamazoo Counties, and Kent County that will result in more than $42.2 million in capital investment, creating at least 182 new jobs. 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like defense and medical manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “These three business expansions will create 182 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place to chase the next big idea. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.” 

“Today’s announcement highlights the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s ongoing commitment to helping businesses of every size succeed and expand in communities across the state,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We applaud Vertical Autonomy, R.W. LaPine, and Shoulder Innovations for their continued investment in Michigan and their commitment to creating quality jobs, strengthening local economies, and helping build thriving communities throughout the state.” 

Vertical Autonomy, a Michigan-based unmanned systems company that designs, manufactures, and operates advanced vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) autonomous aircraft and supporting autonomy systems, has announced plans to establish a centralized manufacturing and operations hub in Jackson County and upgrade existing infrastructure in Hillsdale County. As a newly formed organization resulting from the acquisition of unmanned aircraft assets and intellectual property formerly held by L3Harris, Vertical Autonomy is seeking to consolidate and relocate key operational assets currently located in California and Arizona to Michigan. 

The company currently occupies a temporary site in the City of Jackson and expects to obtain a permanent site in Jackson County in late 2026, which will work in conjunction with its existing location in the City of Hillsdale (Hillsdale County). Along with a new facility, Vertical Autonomy expects to upgrade existing infrastructure, which includes a mobile flight control center, specialized support vehicles, and enhanced utility connections required for testing, assembly, and operations. This investment will support the state’s advanced aircraft manufacturing industry, positioning Michigan as the global leader in high-technology aerospace and defense activity. 

The project is being awarded a $455,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund and is expected to create at least 70 qualified new jobs with starting wages of $30 per hour plus benefits, which is above the Regional Median Wage of $23.17 per hour. The project will also bring an anticipated capital investment of at least $28.72 million in the City of Hillsdale and Jackson County, including capital investment in machinery and equipment exceeding $22 million and more than $5 million expected in construction and site improvements. 

The new hub will support growth driven by an increasing demand for advanced unmanned aerial systems and the pursuit of high-value contracts, including opportunities with the U.S. military and public safety agencies.  

“Michigan has long been where ambitious ideas take flight. We are thrilled to establish Vertical Autonomy here and create a world-class family of drones—designed, engineered, and built by the same Michigan talent that has powered generations of transportation innovation,” said Stephen Ziegenfuss, co-founder, Vertical Autonomy. 

“We are proud to build on our championship motorcycle and engine success to develop best-in-class autonomous drones that require no runway and can remain airborne for up to 16 hours—all designed and built here in Michigan,” added Mike Tinskey, co-founder, Vertical Autonomy. 

Vertical Autonomy’s mission is to deliver unmanned systems that provide actionable intelligence and enhance decision-making for defense, public safety, scientific, and commercial customers. The company is primarily engaged in the defense drone market and serves U.S. government customers through federal contracting relationships. 

To support the development and preparation of its workforce, Vertical Autonomy will deploy a blended training model combining internally developed programs with registered apprenticeship opportunities; the company plans to partner with local training providers, the State of Michigan, and the U.S. Department of Labor to develop apprenticeship curricula that support the next generation of skilled talent, ensuring employees continuously adapt to evolving technologies. 

“Vertical Autonomy’s expansion in Michigan advances the core vision of our strategic plan by strengthening a defense and aerospace ecosystem built on innovation, advanced manufacturing, and the technologies that define the future,” said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director for the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation. “Their commitment to Jackson and Hillsdale strengthens Michigan’s position as the center of gravity for next-generation unmanned systems and accelerates our rise as the global leader in autonomy and aerospace.” 

"Michigan launched the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation aviation technologies, and investments like Vertical Autonomy's demonstrate that the strategy is delivering results," said Justine Johnson, Michigan's Chief Mobility Officer. "By expanding advanced manufacturing capacity, creating high-quality jobs, and strengthening our innovation ecosystem, projects like this reinforce Michigan's leadership in AAM and autonomous aircraft."  

“We are thrilled to welcome Vertical Autonomy to Jackson County,” said Keith Gillenwater, president & CEO of Accelerate Jackson County. “Vertical Autonomy locating in the City of Jackson represents a huge leap forward for our community by marrying a company deploying cutting edge technology creating purpose-built VTOL aircraft with a community that knows how to build things better than anywhere in the world.  We are excited to support VA’s growth in Jackson County!” 

"Hillsdale County has always embraced opportunities that strengthen our economy and create a brighter future for our residents. Vertical Autonomy represents the kind of innovation that inspires growth and demonstrates what is possible when advanced technology and entrepreneurial vision come together,” said Sally Clark, executive director for the Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County. “The work being done through Vertical Autonomy has the potential to create high-quality career opportunities, support the continued growth of advanced manufacturing and aerospace technologies, and further position our region as a hub for innovation. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on both Hillsdale and Jackson counties, creating new opportunities for collaboration, economic growth, and technological advancement."   

“This is great news for our region and the entire state,” said State Sen. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe). “This grant will help bring a multi-million-dollar investment to our community and support the creation of well-paying jobs for Michigan workers. I toured Vertical Autonomy’s facility in May and applaud them for their tremendous commitment to helping make Michigan a leader in advanced aircraft innovation and manufacturing.

“I'm excited to hear that Vertical Autonomy has been awarded this grant that will provide 70 new high paying jobs for Hillsdale County along with $28.72 million in capital investment in the City of Hillsdale and Jackson County,” said State Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy). “It's encouraging to see small businesses start, grow, and remain in our community. That's exactly what MEDC grants are intended to do—support economic development, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. I'm glad to see these funds being used for that purpose.” 

R.W. LaPine, Inc., a Michigan-founded company that specializes in mechanical contracting, metal fabrication, and HVAC services, is planning to expand operations at its headquarters in Comstock Township (Kalamazoo County) and facility in St. Joseph (Berrien County). Founded in 1944 in Paw Paw by Roy Wilson LaPine, the company has grown over four generations of family ownership and employs 286 people in the state. 

The project, which is being supported by a $345,000 MBDP performance-based grant, will result in a total capital investment of at least $9.5 million and the creation of at least 70 new jobs with average starting wages of $35 per hour plus benefits, which is above the Regional Median Wage of $22.44 per hour. Career opportunities span skilled trades such as plumbers, pipefitters, pipe welding fabricators, sheet metal fabrication and installation, and HVAC service technicians, with clear advancement pathways into roles including journeyman, foreman, general foreman, detailer, estimator, project manager, and company leadership. 

The site in Comstock Township will gain an additional 42,000 square feet of space for piping fabrication, as well as additional training and office space. R.W. LaPine will also expand its facility in St. Joseph by an additional 10,000 square feet. The expansion will nearly triple the company’s capacity for large piping fabrication and allow it to compete for even larger projects in new markets such as power & energy, data centers, healthcare, food & beverage, and life sciences, while being able to accept larger contracts and diversify its portfolio of work.  

“R.W. LaPine is grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Southwest Michigan First for their support of our continued investment in Michigan,” said Ryan LaPine, president & CEO of R.W. LaPine, Inc. “This project will expand our capacity and capabilities across our entire organization, from our Service Group to our Fabrication operations, allowing us to better serve our customers throughout Southwest Michigan while expanding our footprint into new markets. The investment will also create high-quality career opportunities and strengthen Michigan's skilled trades workforce through continued training and workforce development. As a fourth generation, family-owned Michigan company, we are proud to invest in our employees, our communities, and the future of our industry.” 

The company also considered facilities in Indiana, but cited its strong relationship with the Southwest Michigan community and the state’s strong workforce as reasons to continue its growth in Michigan. 

“R.W. LaPine's decision to grow in the City of St. Joseph reflects what's possible when partners pull in the same direction,” said Marla Schneider, president/CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “Cornerstone is proud to work alongside Southwest Michigan First and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to demonstrate true partnership, the kind that keeps a fourth-generation Michigan company investing here and creating good-paying jobs in our community." 

"We congratulate R.W. LaPine on this important expansion and for their continued investment into Southwest Michigan. Projects like this are how regions continue to build economic momentum. R.W. LaPine's $9.5 million investment and creation of 70 new jobs strengthens our regional skilled trades workforce pipeline while adding capacity across key industries," said Interim CEO Carla Sones. "Southwest Michigan First is thankful to work with great partners like Cornerstone Alliance, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help impactful projects like this come to life."  

“This expansion is exactly the kind of investment that Michigan needs,” said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “When Michigan businesses expand, they increase their ability to compete for larger projects, building opportunity and resiliency for the company and the workers alike. Ultimately, the investment is a massive win here in Berrien County, providing dozens of new high-paying jobs with good benefits that will support working families across our community.” 

“I’m grateful that the MEDC has provided this critical grant to R.W. LaPine, Inc., supporting meaningful growth for our Michigan-based businesses and creating over 70 jobs here in our community,” said state Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “The expansion projects in Comstock and St. Joseph invest directly in Southwest Michigan’s economy and make our state a place where small businesses and hardworking families can thrive together.”  

“When more people have the opportunity to find work and provide for their families, our whole community benefits. This investment is a vote of confidence in West Michigan and a sign that our economy is moving in the right direction. That is good news for all of us," said state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). 

For career opportunities with R.W. LaPine, visit here.  

Shoulder Innovations, a Michigan-based medical technology company exclusively focused on transforming the shoulder surgical care market, is looking to expand its operations in West Michigan to meet rapidly growing customer demand and interest. The company plans to move its existing headquarters in Grand Rapids to a site in Byron Township (Kent County) that supports its continued growth while retaining its distribution hub and corporate functions under one roof. 

This expansion will bring a total capital investment of at least $4,935,646 to Byron Township and create at least 42 new jobs with starting wages of at least $24 per hour, plus benefits, which is above the Regional Median Wage of $22.61 per hour. The new jobs will span a variety of roles and functions, including Accounting and Finance, IT, Quality, Supply Chain, and Administrative.  

This investment is being supported by a $252,000 MBDP performance-based grant, allowing the company to meet its short- and long-term goals for growth as it accelerates momentum among surgeons for its portfolio of shoulder surgical care products. 

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as we expand our operational footprint in West Michigan,” said Rob Ball, CEO of Shoulder Innovations. “As a Michigan-born company, we are proud to call the Grand Rapids area home and are committed to investing here. Our new, larger headquarters will enable us to maintain a strong presence in the region while providing the infrastructure necessary to scale our office and distribution teams as Shoulder Innovations continues to grow. We look forward to breaking ground on this project and the opportunities it will create for our team and community.”  

Shoulder Innovations has identified a greenfield site in Byron Township where it plans to build out a new headquarters location, with preliminary site plans detailing a two-story building that would include office and warehouse space, with the ability to expand both as the company continues to grow. 

Shoulder Innovations originally established its headquarters in Holland, Michigan. By 2021, the company had outgrown its existing space and moved to its current headquarters in Grand Rapids, where it houses its corporate offices and performs most of its finance, supply chain, quality, product distribution, and warehousing operations. In July 2025, Shoulder Innovations completed its initial public offering and has continued to rapidly expand its operations and footprint by adding new product lines and expanding its distribution facility in California. 

In addition to MSF support, The Right Place has offered to assist this project with staff time and support and West Michigan Works! has provided a workforce hiring and training plan in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. 

“Shoulder Innovations continues to set the standard in medical device innovation, and their $4.7 million investment in a new headquarters and distribution center in Byron Center, with 42 new jobs, is a strong vote of confidence in Greater Grand Rapids,” said Eric Icard, senior director of business development with The Right Place. “Medical device and life sciences have long been strong industries in this region, and they continue to grow thanks to the talent and infrastructure here. The Right Place is proud to have supported Shoulder Innovations through this next phase of growth.”  

For details on career opportunities with Shoulder Innovations, visit here.  

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.