Business expansion projects around the state attract more than $25M in investment, create 324 new jobs

Expansions represent a range of industries, including IT, aerospace and manufacturing

LANSING, Mich. – Six business development projects expected to generate more than $25 million in total investment and support the creation of 324 jobs in Michigan gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced. Communities benefitted include the village of Romeo, Plymouth Charter Township, Owosso, Warren, Ada Township and Ann Arbor.

“These business expansions represent a range of industries, including IT, aerospace and manufacturing, and reflect the strength and diversity of the state’s business climate in communities of varying sizes,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction agency, responsible for enabling long-term economic opportunity for all Michiganders. “Projects announced today will have positive economic impacts in communities throughout the state, from Owosso to Detroit and Ada to Ann Arbor. We are proud to work with these companies and our local partners to bring these investments to Michigan.”

Arlington Automotive, is a U.K.-based tier 1 automotive parts supplier. The company’s products are used in the chassis, powertrain, fuel management and thermal management systems. Arlington Automotive Holdings, established in 2013, has operations in Germany, France, and Brazil among other countries and has 13 manufacturing facilities across the world, employing more than 2,100 people. The company’s customers include Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and various other OEMs.

As a result of the recent expansion into the U.S. through the acquisition of BorgWarner’s thermal management business, the assets within BorgWarner’s facility in Illinois need to be relocated. The company plans to move the assets to a leased facility in the village of Romeo where it will manufacture thermal management systems, hood releases and other parts for supplier contracts with GM, FCA and Ford. The expansion will involve the creation of 70 new jobs and a total capital investment of nearly $4.6 million in Romeo, resulting in a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to MSF support, the village of Romeo is expected to offer a real property tax abatement in support of the project. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Illinois and South Carolina. For more information on careers with Arlington Automotive USA, Corp., visit here.

“The village of Romeo is pleased that they are able to work with the MEDC to attract new businesses to our industrial park. Arlington Industries will bring many new jobs to Romeo and their investment to our tax base will have a positive impact on our community,” said village of Romeo President Christine Malzahn.

BEET, Inc., founded in 2011, has created technology to detect line failures and all potential issues in assembly plants. This technology is implemented through the company’s ENVISION software, which has helped BEET build a strong customer base in the automotive industry with some of the largest OEMs and major Tier 1 suppliers. The company has started expanding into non-automotive industrial sectors to diversify its business. 

As a result of current and future growth, the company plans to expand into Plymouth Charter Township. The company will be implementing its technology across 13 new OEM facilities across the United States. The expansion will involve the creation of 48 new jobs and a total capital investment of up to $1.3 million in Plymouth Charter Township, resulting in a $384,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to MSF support, the Charter Township of Plymouth has agreed to promote the company whenever possible in support of the project and new positions. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Missouri, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. For more information on careers with BEET, Inc., visit here.

“This is just further proof of what successful IT companies already know. Wayne County offers the top tier IT talent needed to compete globally," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "I commend Beet Analytics Technology for increasing their employment and investing in advanced training for their employees.”

“Plymouth Township is proud to have BEET in our community. This innovative tech company is investing $1.3M and plans to create up to 48 new, high-paying jobs. They’re a great partner and we are working to see them thrive,” said Plymouth Township Supervisor, Kurt L. Heise.

Covenant Eyes, Inc., established in 2000, is the pioneer of internet accountability software, empowering members to maintain their online integrity. Utilizing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, the company has recently updated its service to provide comprehensive monitoring of whatever appears on the screen of a computer, phone, or tablet. The company has also developed a family internet filter that restricts usage based on parental controls. Covenant Eyes has grown from two employees in 2000 to 196 this month and has won the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies award for the last eight years.

As a result of current and future growth, the company plans to expand in the city of Owosso. The company needs to add developers, customer service representatives and office staff. To accommodate the growth, the company plans to lease additional warehouse space and convert it to office space at its existing facility in Owosso. The company also plans to expand the parking lot. The expansion will involve the creation of 65 new jobs and a total capital investment of up to $1.96 million in Owosso, resulting in a $490,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant over three years. In addition to MSF support, the city of Owosso anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Texas, among other states, and New Zealand.

“Covenant Eyes is one of our very best companies, and we are so happy to see their continued success. They make a huge impact not only in Shiawassee County, but also throughout the world as their technology truly helps to change lives for the better. Thank you to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for recognizing this and supporting the company’s continued growth,” said Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath.

MMI Engineered Solutions, headquartered in Saline, is an advanced material technology company. It provides engineering services, tooling and plastic injection molding to produce material handling products and assembly components. The company, established in 1983, focuses on designing and manufacturing solutions that improve performance, reduce weight and lower costs of OEM components and material handling applications.

As a result of recent growth, MMI Engineered Solutions plans to acquire an industrial building in the city of Warren to be used for additional manufacturing space. The expansion will involve the creation of 111 new jobs and a total capital investment of than $14.97 million in Warren, Troy and Saline, resulting in a $580,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to MSF support, the city of Warren has offered to host a job fair for MMI future employees. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Monterrey, Mexico. For more information on careers with MMI Engineered Solutions, visit here.

“We are very pleased that MMI Engineered Solutions has chosen to expand in Macomb County,” said Vicky Rad, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “Our region is a premier place to do business for a number of reasons. In particular, we have a talented workforce that is especially skilled in advanced manufacturing and ready to meet the needs of this employer.”

Founded in 2010, Michigan Software Labs provides custom software solutions for clients ranging from middle market to Fortune 500 companies. Creating applications for iOS, Android, wearables, and IoT, the Ada-based company takes a highly collaborative, team-based approach to solving complex enterprise challenges.

To serve its growing portfolio of clients, Michigan Software Labs is expanding its existing Ada Township offices and adding more than two dozen new positions to its core team. Private investment of $840,535 in the township will result in a $108,000 Michigan Business Development Program Grant. In addition to MSF support, the Right Place has provided staff time and resources in support of the project.

The company chose Michigan over competing offers to expand in Colorado, Texas, and New York. For more information about Michigan Software Labs, visit here.

“As much as we enjoy serving clients across North America, we’re excited to be part of the growth that’s happening here in our home state,” said Michigan Software Labs co-founder Mark Johnson.

R2 Space, Inc., established in 2018, is an aerospace company dedicated to providing U.S. government and commercial customers with space-based satellite radar intelligence. R2 Space supports high-tech industries including aerospace, homeland security and defense technology. With experience that spans from directly serving SEAL Team SIX to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, its co-founders bring a proven track record of supporting our national security with innovative technologies.

As a result of current and future growth through new contracts, the company plans to relocate and expand its corporate headquarters in the city of Ann Arbor. Once completed, the space will include an ISO-class 8 clean room, electrical and mechanical test labs and associated specialized test equipment, manufacturing equipment and a satellite operations mission center. The expansion will involve the creation of 30 new jobs and a capital investment of up to $1,396,000 in Ann Arbor, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“R2 Space is honored to call Ann Arbor, Michigan home. Ann Arbor is the nation’s center of excellence for Synthetic Aperture Radar, providing the specialized and highly qualified workforce needed to scale the R2 family to over 30 people in the next two years. This is just our start. R2 Space’s relocation to Michigan will enable us to benefit from the automotive industry’s depth and expertise in manufacturing,” said CEO and Co-Founder of R2 Space Dr. Reuben Sorensen. “The commercial space sector is becoming an increasingly important part of the military’s efforts in space. Our goal is to showcase how Michigan’s Motor City will soon drive the space industry in support of our nation’s security.”

In addition to MSF support, Ann Arbor SPARK is prepared to assist the company in finding candidates for the newly created positions. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Ohio, Texas, Louisiana and Virginia. For more information on careers with R2 Space, Inc., visit here.

“Ann Arbor has an extensive aerospace heritage, anchored by University of Michigan’s world class aerospace engineering programs,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “The decision by R2 Space to select Ann Arbor for its new corporate headquarters signals that this high-growth company values the region’s top talent and culture of innovation. Attracting the company here widens opportunities for job seekers and underscores our reputation as a high-tech magnet.”

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.