New ‘Make it in Michigan’ Investments to Create 159 Good-Paying Jobs around the State

Three business expansion projects expected to create a total of 159 new jobs and generate a total capital investment of $25.4 million have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. The projects are in Newaygo, Kent County and Farmington Hills.

“Today’s investments highlight the strength of our manufacturing and tech industries, and underscore Team Michigan’s commitment to delivering long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local partners for their continued support of our efforts. We remain proud to work with companies that are making a difference by bringing job creation and providing economic support, proving that Making it in Michigan is the right choice.”

Longstanding door components manufacturer G-M Wood expanding at its operations in Newaygo, adding 25 jobs

G-M Wood Products, Inc., a manufacturer of performance components for exterior doors, is expanding at its operations and headquarters facility in the city of Newaygo.

G-M Wood Products, founded in 1987 as a manufacturer of structural components for steel entry doors, now manufactures a full line of door frame components and exterior millwork in a multitude of substrates and finishes.

The company currently has 139 employees in Michigan and is experiencing significant growth, with plans to construct a 25,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its existing operations in Newaygo. This will allow the company to bring some manufacturing processes currently being produced out of state and overseas into Michigan, allowing for better product control, decreased production times, and reduced production costs.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $8.6 million and create 25 jobs with the support of a $137,500 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over its current operations in Georgia because it was founded and is headquartered in the state, and because of the strength of the region’s talent base.

“G-M Wood Products, being an industry leader in the manufacturing of millwork and entry door components with facilities in Michigan as well as Georgia, is excited to continue growing our Newaygo, Michigan campus,” said G-M Wood Products Vice President Kevin Karrip. “We are bringing a new technology on site that we were previously sourcing from out of state and overseas. We firmly believe that the value of automated USA manufacturing will continue to increase over the coming years. Considering the partnership with the state of Michigan, combined with the incredibly hardworking employees of our West Michigan community, we are left with no doubt that Newaygo is the right choice for G-M Wood Products to continue to grow.”

G-M Wood Products offers training opportunities to upskill its employees and provides opportunities for growth from within. The company plans to work with Michigan Works! to secure local talent. The project will bring immediate advanced manufacturing jobs to the area and will position the company for future growth and investment in Michigan.

The city of Newaygo has offered a 50 percent property tax abatement in support of the project. For more information regarding G-M Wood Products and possible career opportunities with its growing team, visit here or contact Jeremiah Ebenstein at Jebenstein@gmcompanies.com.

“We are thrilled to work with the team at G-M Wood Products, providing the resources they need to expand their operations in Michigan,” said Julie Burrell, economic development director of Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership and regional partner lead for The Right Place. “They continue to be a great community partner and are a key driver of the continued growth in Newaygo County.”

“G-M Wood Products has been a great asset to the community,” said Newaygo City Manager Jon Schneider. “We are excited to support them in their continued efforts to expand their business.” 

Digital ticketing sales platform Ludus establishing new headquarters in Kent County, creating 34 high-wage jobs and further growing the high-tech ecosystem in the Grand Rapids region

Ludus, LLC, a digital ticketing sales platform with built-in marketing and fundraising tools, is expanding in a yet-to-be-determined location in Kent County.

Ludus was founded as a side project to assist Holland Public Schools in navigating online ticket sales. Since then, the company has grown rapidly and counts more than 2,000 universities, K-12 schools, and community and professional theaters around the country as customers. The company was recently ranked #706 on Inc.’s list of the 5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Ludus currently has 21 employees around the country.

The company plans to establish a headquarters facility near downtown Grand Rapids that will serve as its long-term home base. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $310,000 and create 34 high-wage jobs with the support of a $140,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan over competing sites in Chicago and Austin because of the strong customer base it already has in the state.

The project supports a business in the target industries of tech and professional and corporate services and fosters high-wage job growth. The project will bring immediate, high-wage tech jobs to the region, further growing the high-tech ecosystem in Grand Rapids and will help solidify the company’s presence and future business in Michigan.

“We at Ludus are thrilled to plant our roots in Grand Rapids,” said Ludus Co-Founder and CEO Zack Collins. “Our commitment is to be a leader and contributor to the city’s growing tech scene. Together, we’ll build a future where GR stands at the forefront of technological excellence. Additionally, we are dedicated to attracting and cultivating top-tier tech talent from all around the country, ensuring that GR becomes a magnet for brilliant minds and a place where tech talent can call home.”

The MEDC and The Right Place, Inc. worked together to ensure the company continued its growth in the region rather than in competing sites in Chicago and Austin. The company seeks technically savvy individuals who are looking to be a part of a fast-growing tech company and plans to offer $10,000 in relocation bonuses to attract employees willing to work at its headquarters location. Information on careers with Ludus can be found here.

“Ludus’ decision to locate their HQ in the Greater Grand Rapids Region speaks volumes about the vibrant tech ecosystem we are building,” said Jen Wangler, VP of Technology at The Right Place and project lead. “It validates that the region offers an unparalleled quality of place and affordable, high-quality lifestyle that young tech talent is looking for.”

Tier 1 electric vehicle supplier Jing-Jin Electric North America expanding its manufacturing operations in Farmington Hills, investing $16.5 million and creating 100 high-wage jobs

Jing-Jin Electric North America LLC was founded in 2012 and is a leading Tier 1 electric vehicle supplier of drive train systems, power electronics and software for passenger and commercial vehicles. The company is headquartered in the city of Farmington Hills, where it employs 200 Michigan residents and continues to expand and support the growing supply chain for electric vehicles here in the state.

The company continues to grow and service customers around the world and recently secured a significant new contract with a multinational automotive manufacturer. As a result, Jing-Jin will be expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet the new customer needs and secure new opportunities in Farmington Hills. The project is expected to generate $16.5 million in capital investment and create 100 new high-paying jobs with the support of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

The company chose Michigan over competing states Alabama, Indiana and South Carolina for this expansion, due in part to the company’s presence in the state and having enough land to accommodate the 40,000-square-foot new build. The company’s expansion announcement is also supported by Michigan’s world-class talent pool, proximity to customers, and access to a leading supply chain infrastructure.

Information on careers with Jing-Jin Electric can be found here.

“The expansion of JJE is important not only for the promotion of job opportunities in Farmington Hills, but the development may breed investment interest within the area and attract new businesses,” said Farmington Hills Economic Development Director Cristia Brockway. “This could help with the community’s economic diversity and provide new business services to the area.”

“Jing-Jin Electric’s expansion in Farmington Hills and the jobs the $16.5 million investment will create is welcome news for the county, region and state,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Advanced technology suppliers like Jing-Jin are helping to boost the region’s reputation as a prime location for the mobility industry of the future.”

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.

Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation