Business expansions, community revitalization project win state approval to invest, add jobs in Michigan

Five business expansions and one community revitalization project that will generate nearly $58.4 million in total investment and create 480 jobs in Michigan receive support and approval.

LANSING, Mich. – Five business expansions and one community revitalization project that will generate nearly $58.4 million in total investment and create 480 jobs in Michigan have received Michigan Strategic Fund approval for support, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“We’re working to spark business growth, revitalize communities and create more and better jobs for our residents,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “These investments demonstrate Michigan’s improving economy and the success of our strategy to help growing companies generate new job opportunities.”

Dorel Home Furnishings is a subsidiary of Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A), a manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture that is sold to major retailers. The parent company has furniture factories and offices the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Dorel Home Furnishings is at capacity and needs to expand its facility in the city of Dowagiac, and is investing $2 million and creating 87 jobs. As a result, the project has been awarded a $348,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in several other states and Canada. The city of Dowagiac has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Individuals interested in careers with Dorel Home Furnishings should visit http://www.dorel.com/eng/careers.

Flex N Gate Shelby, established in 1956 and headquartered in Urbana, IL, is a supplier of bumpers, exterior trim, lighting, aluminum and steel modular stamped body in white and chassis assemblies, and other OEM automotive products. Flex N Gate has a new contract to supply bumpers for truck products which will consolidate assembly and sequencing under one roof for front and rear bumpers. The company plans to lease space in a build-to-suit facility in Shelby Township, investing $11 million and creating 242 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Illinois. The city is offering support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Flex N gate should visit http://jobs.flex-n-gate.com/jobs. 

Humanetics Innovative Solutions, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture sophisticated safety test equipment; including crash test dummies and the development of software dummy models for computerized crash test simulations. Headquartered in Plymouth, Humanetics has locations worldwide. The company has outgrown its two metro Detroit facilities and plans to consolidate into a new facility in the city of Farmington Hills, a project that will generate capital investment of $14.2 million and create 52 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Ohio. The city of Farmington Hills plans to support the project by reimbursing the company for eligible brownfield costs. For career opportunities with Humanetics, visit http://www.humaneticsatd.com/about-us/careers.

NxGen MDx LLC is a leading clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory delivering accurate and precise genetic screening detection rates. The company’s office and laboratory are located within the medical corridor of Grand Rapids. NxGen MDx is at capacity and plans to expand its existing operations, investing nearly $2.9 million and creating 37 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to assist with recruiting and attracting talent to Michigan. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Florida. The city of Grand Rapids has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. For information on careers with NxGen MDx, visit https://nxgenmdx.com/answer-center/careers/. 

Sigma Machine Inc., family owned since 1955, is a manufacturer of medical, food processing and green energy components as well as a Tier 1 auto supplier. The company is in the process of securing new customers and needs to expand its operations. Sigma Machine plans to expand its current facility in Comstock Township, investing $27.8 million and creating 58 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Wisconsin. Southwest Michigan First has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Sigma Machine should send their resumes to HR@sigmamachine.net.

MidTown Lofts, LLC plans to renovate a historic building located within the Military Road Local Historical Historic District in downtown Port Huron into a mixed-use building that will include commercial and residential space. The project will maintain as many of the historic aspects of the building as possible, while improving walkability and bringing increased economic activity to the area. The project is expected to generate more than $515,000 in capital investment and create four full-time jobs, resulting in an $83,126 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. The city of Port Huron is offering support to the project through the approval of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone, valued at $1,800 to $2,700 per year for 10 years.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit MichiganBusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org. Michigan residents interested in seeking employment with any of Michigan’s growing companies should check mitalent.org, where more than 88,000 jobs are currently available in a variety of industries.Dorel Home Furnishings is a subsidiary of Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A), a manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture that is sold to major retailers. The parent company has furniture factories and offices the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Dorel Home Furnishings is at capacity and needs to expand its facility in the city of Dowagiac, and is investing $2 million and creating 87 jobs. As a result, the project has been awarded a $348,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in several other states and Canada. The city of Dowagiac has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Individuals interested in careers with Dorel Home Furnishings should visit http://www.dorel.com/eng/careers.

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.