LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined forces with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Thursday, March 31, to announce two business expansion projects.
Both projects are expected to create 77 new jobs and generate a total private investment of more than $34 million dollars in Battle Creek and Benton Harbor. This all in part to support received from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
The two businesses include Duncan Aviation in Calhoun County, and West Michigan Tool and Die in Berrien County.
In a release issued by the Governor’s office, Whitmer said, “Today’s investments in Battle Creek and Benton Harbor creating 77 advanced manufacturing jobs will help us continue growing Michigan’s economy and helping working families thrive. “The businesses making these investments received support from the bipartisan Michigan Strategic Fund, one of several economic development tools that we worked across the aisle to establish. When we put Michiganders first, we can invest in our talented manufacturing workforce and help innovative businesses grow.”
Duncan Aviation, founded in 1956, is the largest family-owned aircraft maintenance and repair company in the world. The company provides aircraft services for a wide variety of business aircraft at its 39 facilities across the United States. Duncan Aviation currently employs 638 people at its location in Battle Creek.
The Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority and city of Battle Creek have offered $2.5 million to assist with the addition of a tarmac around the hangar.
Bulk Ag Innovations LLC, dba West Michigan Tool & Die (WMTD), is a contract tool and die shop in Benton Harbor. The company is primarily engaged in manufacturing special tools and fixtures for use with machine tools, die-casting machines and presses. Through its acquisition by Bulk Ag Innovations in 2018, the company has achieved minority business enterprise certification through the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and is gaining new opportunities in defense contracts. Currently, WMTD has 15 employees in Michigan.
“The decisions by Duncan Aviation and West Michigan Tool & Die to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our state’s talented workforce and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while further demonstrating our commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board.
“This project is a win for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor and legislators for the continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. These projects reflect our commitment to working with our partners to ensure that Michigan becomes an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures.”
