Great Lakes Wire

A national nonprofit organization will be expanding operations at its Detroit location in order to meet the needs of one of its clients.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was joined by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that sewn trades-based Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) will be expanding its facility, a press release from the governor’s office said this week.

“This expansion by ISAIC, a national sewn trades nonprofit that regularly partners with Carhartt, will create 74 good-paying manufacturing jobs in Detroit and build on our economic momentum,” Whitmer said in the release. “I will work with anyone to invest in our hardworking people and innovative businesses so they can thrive. Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing. Unemployment is low, we have added 133,000 jobs in the last 12 months, and we continue to build on our manufacturing heritage. Our future is bright and investments like this one by ISAIC will help us continue moving our state forward.”

ISAIC established its Detroit operations in 2017, and its objective is training highly skilled people in the sewing industry.

“The MEDC has been on the forefront of fostering not only our state’s existing industries such as auto and mobility but also supporting emerging sectors in the advanced manufacturing of product including apparel,” Jen Guarino, ISAIC CEO, said in the release. “In addition, it will help to support our continued collaboration with the Advanced Robotic Manufacturing Institute. We are grateful for the MEDC support of ISAIC and our impact on our community.”

ISAIC is being backed by a $259,000 Jobs Ready Michigan grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund in order to make a $550,000 capital investment, with its Detroit location beating out competing sites in Missouri and New York.

“We’re pleased to celebrate ISAIC’s continued growth and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for Detroit residents,” Michele Wildman, MEDC executive vice president of Economic Development Incentives, said in the release. “We are grateful to the Governor and legislators for the continued support of the Jobs Ready Michigan program. We’re proud to partner with DEGC [Detroit Economic Growth corporation], the city of Detroit and ISAIC as it builds on Detroit’s manufacturing heritage and innovative spirit and creates a booming fashion hub in the Motor City.”