Three Small Businesses Expand in St. Clair, Ogemaw, Oscoda Counties

• Tier 1 automotive supplier U.S. Farathane, LLC expanding presence in Michigan with Port Huron facility, creating 115 new jobs
• Wausau Supply Co. constructing new facility for door manufacturing in West Branch, adding 92 new jobs
• Global automotive supplier Cooper Standard constructing facility in Comins Township, creating 36 jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three new small business expansion announcements in St. Clair, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties that will result in more than $64.8 million in capital investment, creating at least 243 new jobs. The business expansions will contribute to the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry. 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects up and down the auto manufacturing supply chain,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement will create 243 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.” 

“The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is committed to helping businesses succeed and grow across the state, and today’s announcements reflect that dedication,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We applaud U.S. Farathane, Wausau Supply, and Cooper Standard for their continued investment in Michigan, which will create quality jobs, strengthen communities, and align with our state’s legacy as a leader in manufacturing.” 

Tier 1 automotive supplier U.S. Farathane, LLC expanding presence in Michigan with Port Huron facility, creating 115 new jobs

U.S. Farathane, LLC is a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier founded and headquartered in Auburn Hills (Oakland County), specializing in highly engineered plastic injection-molded components. To expand on its growth and presence in Michigan, U.S. Farathane is evaluating a facility with a long-term lease to be constructed at 2800 Dove Street in Port Huron (St. Clair County). The proposed facility, strategically accessible by highway, railway, and the St. Clair County International Airport, would consist of approximately 230,000 square feet of newly constructed, high-bay industrial space. 

This expansion project is supported by a $747,500 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant and will result in a total capital investment of $21,998,000 and the creation of at least 115 new jobs, with starting wages of $21.58 per hour plus benefits, which meets the Regional Median Wage. 

“U.S Farathane has a long history of partnership with the State of Michigan,” said David Wiskel, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We were founded in Michigan over fifty years ago and continue to have our global headquarters here while operating manufacturing sites across the state serving the finest automakers in the world. When it came time to expand again, to invest significant private capital and hire more skilled and dedicated team members, we proudly chose to do so in Port Huron. We appreciate the continued support of the State, the MEDC, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and our local community leaders.  We can’t wait to advance this important new project.” 

In addition to MSF support, the City of Port Huron anticipates 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. Detroit Regional Partnership is offering in-kind talent and marketing support valued at $11,000, and Michigan Works! is offering recruiting, hiring, and training at an estimated value of $328,287. 

The company also considered locating the project in Mexico, Tennessee, Missouri, or Texas; with multiple plants and its corporate headquarters in Michigan, consolidating and expanding on its established infrastructure will help the company retain its network in state. As a top Tier 1 automotive supplier, U.S. Farathane’s continued investment in Michigan contributes to the state’s leadership in the automotive industry. 

"We congratulate U.S. Farathane on its planned expansion and thank our state and local partners for their collaboration in helping bring this investment to Port Huron,” said Justin Robinson, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership. “The Detroit Regional Partnership was honored to support the project throughout the process, including through our Verified Industrial Properties Program, and we look forward to the company's continued success in the region." 

"This project proves that Michigan and Port Huron can compete for good-paying jobs,” said James R. Freed, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Port Huron. “Behind every number is a hard-working mom and dad, a family touched by new investment into our community and new opportunities."  

"This project solidifies the company's presence in Michigan and Port Huron and preserves jobs. It demonstrates that Michigan remains a leading market for automotive investment," said Bruce Seymore, CEO, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. 

“We are excited to see U.S. Farathane LLC choose Michigan, and choose Port Huron for this expansion,” said state Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway). 

Learn more about careers with U.S. Farathane.

Wausau Supply Co. constructing new facility for door manufacturing in West Branch, adding 92 new jobs

Wausau Supply Co. is a national leader in the manufacturing and distribution of building supplies, serving both commercial and residential construction markets across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Schofield, Wisconsin, the company has grown steadily, operating over 20 distribution centers and six manufacturing facilities throughout North America, including a distribution and manufacturing facility in West Branch (Ogemaw County). The company is planning to construct a new, 260,000 square-foot facility in West Branch to serve as its hub of advanced manufacturing and house the end-to-end process for door manufacturing.  

The expansion is being supported by a $575,000 MBDP performance-based grant and will result in a capital investment of at least $41 million and the estimated creation of 92 new jobs with starting wages of $22.00 per hour plus benefits, exceeding the Regional Median Wage of $21.75 per hour. These jobs are in addition to the company's existing 108 Michigan employees. 

As an employee-owned company, every new position created in West Branch also represents a new stake in Wausau Supply's future for the people who fill it. 

"As an employee-owned company, growth like this means something different for us. Every new job in West Branch is also a new ownership stake in our future," said Brian Miller, President & CEO of Wausau Supply Co. "This facility lets us expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet real demand from our customers, and we couldn't ask for a better place to do it. Michigan's skilled workforce and the strength of the partnerships we've built here gave us the confidence to invest in this community for the long term." 

Wausau Supply evaluated several locations for the expansion, including facilities in Canada and at its Wisconsin headquarters, before selecting West Branch. The decision reflects the region's skilled workforce and strong regional partnerships for talent and recruitment, which will support the company's continued growth. 

“The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments extend our congratulations and appreciation to Wausau Supply Company for your continued investment in the City of West Branch and the region,” said Doug Baum, CEO, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. “We would also like to thank the MSF and MEDC for their continued economic development support for our region. This grant from the State of Michigan will assist this company to expand their operation, giving them the resources to help create good-paying jobs and build a future where families choose to stay and grow in this community.” 

Learn more about career opportunities with Wausau Supply Company. 

Global automotive supplier Cooper Standard constructing facility in Comins Township, creating 36 jobs  

Cooper Standard is a global supplier for the automotive industry, founded in 1960 and headquartered in Northville (Oakland County). The company specializes in producing essential automotive components such as sealing, fluid handling, and fuel and brake systems, supporting the automotive supply chain.  

Cooper Standard plans to construct a new, 15,500 square-foot facility in Comins Township (Oscoda County) to consolidate multiple lines of business, allowing for more of the end-to-end process to be completed in Michigan instead of outsourcing part of its supply chain.  

The project, which is being supported by a $200,000 MBDP performance-based grant, is expected to generate a total capital investment of over $1.9 million and create 36 jobs with wages above the Regional Median Wage of $20.20 per hour. 

At the facility, the company will install a new brazing oven, an industrial heating system that will join multiple metal components together as part of its manufacturing process. The new brazing oven is more energy efficient and will revitalize the company’s manufacturing process while contributing to the local community in Northeast Michigan.  

“We are grateful for the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Comins Township, Oscoda County, and our local partners as we invest in Cooper Standard’s continued growth in Northeast Michigan,” said Chris Couch, president, fluid handling systems and chief technology and AI officer, Cooper Standard. “This project strengthens our ability to serve customers, supports our long-standing presence in Michigan and creates meaningful opportunities for the local community.” 

Cooper Standard was attracted to locating this new investment in Michigan because of the state’s business-friendly climate as well as the company’s long history in the state. The company employs over 22,000 people worldwide, with more than 1,400 in Michigan, and operates facilities in 20 countries.  

“I’m grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for providing a $200,000 performance-based grant to support Cooper-Standard’s expansion in Comins Township,” said state Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “This investment will help create 36 good-paying jobs and nearly $2 million in new capital investment, providing a significant boost to Oscoda County and our Northern Michigan economy.”

“Northeast Michigan historically has suffered from the lack of economic development opportunities. Cooper Standard Automotive has been a staple automotive manufacturing employer in Oscoda County for decades,” said Doug Baum, CEO, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. “This project is important in many ways as it aligns with the Northeast Michigan Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy by providing economic growth by strengthening regional industry and providing a diverse economic base. This project will continue working on generating good-paying jobs and build on a future where families live, work, and enjoy all that northeast Michigan has to offer.” 

For career opportunities with Cooper Standard, 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 Threads.