Great Lakes Wire

Last week, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) announced 184 new jobs would be created due to the expansion of two companies.

“Today’s investments will create 184 jobs and help us continue growing our economy,” Whitmer said, according to Michigan.gov. “Since I took office, we’ve added 21,600 auto jobs, and today’s projects will keep building on that progress. These investments are possible because we worked side by side last December to enact historic, bipartisan economic development legislation that has empowered us to compete for more dollars and jobs, including the $7 billion investment from GM we landed in January. We will continue building on our leadership in mobility and electrification solutions by supporting business growth in our communities. Our economy is growing and, thanks to projects like these, we will keep moving Michigan forward.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) backed the enlargement of the companies that will help boost the state’s economy and position Michigan as a worldwide leader in mobility solutions and auto manufacturing.

“(These) projects reinforce our commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders by highlighting the continued strength of our state’s talented workforce and our leadership positions in advanced manufacturing and an electrified mobility future,” Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chair of the MSF Board, told Michigan.gov. “We are grateful to the governor, legislators, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program, which was critical to bringing these efforts to life here in the state.”

Messer added that the expansion shows MEDC’s commitment to making the state a prosperous place for all residents.

Battle Creek-based Bleistahl North American Limited Partnership, which supplies auto parts to local car manufacturers, would establish 69 jobs through the expansion. Charter Township of Redford-based UTAC, which provides car testing services, would create 89 jobs by expanding operations.

“We are thrilled that Bleistahl has chosen to expand their operations in Battle Creek,” Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski told Michigan.gov. “Since 2013 Bleistahl has been providing quality jobs for our community, and we are excited for their next chapter and growth in Battle Creek.”