Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Three Michigan Companies Expand Production with State Incentives

07/16/2018
Three business expansions received Michigan Strategic Fund support to expand manufacturing plants in Romulus, Farmington Hills, and Detroit, Michigan.

“These projects will lead to new business growth, revitalized communities and more and better jobs for our residents. We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support these investments,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation expansion projects include:

International Wheel and Tire, Inc., a joint venture between Arkk Engineering and SH-Corporation of China, is a premier tooling and equipment supplier specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide range of balancing machines for balancing tires, wheels, assemblies, and components. IWT plans to establish its operations in the city of Farmington Hills, investing $4.275 million and creating 30 jobs.

As a result of increased sales, the company is in need of a high-tech facility to research, develop, manufacture and sell industrial automation equipment related to tire and wheel production and testing. The facility will also serve as the parent company’s North American headquarters.

The company’s investment resulted in a $270,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in the southeastern U.S. In addition, the city of Farmington Hills has offered to host a talent recruitment event in support of the project. IWT is currently looking for engineers, electrical apprentices and other technical positions.

Actia Electronics, Inc., a subsidiary of Actia Corporation, processes the final assembly of circuit boards, testing and distribution. Actia Electronics plans to purchase a 50,000-square-foot facility at Aerotropolis in the city of Romulus, Michigan, investing $18.5 million and creating 151 jobs.

In addition to the North American presence, the ultimate parent, Actia Group, has operations in Northern Africa as well as Southern France. The overseas facilities are at capacity and the company needs to bring production and R&D capabilities to North America. As a result, the company has been awarded a $750,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site adjacent to the company’s existing facility in Elkhart. In addition, the city of Romulus is supporting the project with a 50 percent property tax abatement.

“ACTIA is poised for tremendous growth in the vehicle electronics market and as such has decided to invest heavily in the US to support this growth. After meeting with various representatives at all levels of government in the state of Michigan, we were convinced that Michigan was the place to be,” said ACTIA CEO Adam Ramouni.

“Early on in the selection process we recognized that a business-friendly city and state was key to our long term vision of growth and prosperity,” he added.

“With all the recent developments in Aerotropolis, it makes perfect sense to have a supplier like Actia Electronics locate there as we work to create a cluster of companies in logistics and transportation near the airport,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Clearly companies are seeing the value of locating in that area and we think others will continue to follow.”

"The City of Romulus is pleased Actia Electronics Inc. has chosen to locate in our community," said Romulus Economic Development Director Tim Keyes. “This is an international company that has enormous potential to expand and grow and also attract other research and development companies.”

HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors, plans to expand its operations in the city of Detroit, Michigan, investing $483,000 and creating 28 jobs in Michigan.

As a result, the company has been awarded a $112,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The city of Detroit has offered property tax abatement in support of the project.

Exclusive Research