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April 2008

Hope Industries Network, a provider of work experience and job training for people who are re-establishing themselves in the community, is doubling its manufacturing space by relocating to a new 84,000-square-foot facility in Wyoming. The organization is expected to add up to 80 new jobs.

Machine Tool & Gear Inc., which supplies automotive companies with machined and manufactured parts and assemblies, is making a $2.8 million investment in its 114,000 sq. ft. facility in Corrunna, the company announced in April 2008.

BAE Systems, a global defense and aerospace company, announced in April 2008 that it is launching a $58.4 million expansion for its Land & Armaments operating group in Sterling Heights. The project, a conversion of existing industrial property into a prototyping and testing facility, is expected to create 460 new advanced manufacturing jobs.

Von Weise, Inc., a global manufacturer of gear motors, linear actuators, blowers, starters and other industrial applications, announced in April 2008 that it plans to relocate its Indiana and Missouri operations to its facility in Eaton Rapids. The company will transfer approximately $4 million worth of equipment to Eaton Rapids and will invest $3.3 million in new equipment over the next five years. The expansion will create 159 new jobs at the company.

February 2008

The Dow Chemical Company will invest $50 million in a new solar energy initiative, which is geared to enable solar energy generation materials to be incorporated directly into the design of commercial and residential building materials (Building Integrated Photovoltaic – BIPV). Plans include a 7,500-square-foot addition and the installation of new machinery and equipment in Midland.

Behr-Hella Thermocontrol, a subsidiary of Germany-based Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH, a designer and manufacturer of automotive and truck HVAC electronic controls, announced in 2/2008 that it will invest up to $7.9 million to establish a new manufacturing facility in Wixom. The company is expected to create at least 32 jobs.

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation announced 2/2008 that it plans to locate a new, $80 million state-of-the-art billet casting and extrusion facility in Comstock Township. Kaiser Aluminum produces high-quality fabricated aluminum products for aerospace and high-strength, general engineering and custom automotive and industrial applications. The project is expected to create 150 jobs.

Fabri-Kal Corporation, a Kalamazoo-based manufacturer of thermoformed products for the foodservice and consumer goods packaging markets, announced in 2/2008 it will invest up to $38.7 million to expand and relocate its current manufacturing operations to the former Mead Paper facility in Kalamazoo. The project is expected to create up to 160 new jobs over the next five years.

Sterling Heights-based General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) announced in 2/2008 that it will invest $10 million to expand its operations in Sterling Heights and Shelby Township. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs at the company over the next 12 years. GDLS produces land and amphibious combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and marine systems and business aviation.

January 2008

A. Paul Schaap, founder of Southfield-based Lumigen, Inc. and former Wayne State University (WSU) chemistry professor, and his wife, Carol, donated $7.7 million to WSU. The donation will fund an expansion of WSU’s chemistry building and create a graduate stipend fund. Schaap founded Lumigen in 1987 to market a luminescent compound he and his WSU research team developed to produce light in medical tests that would indicate the presence in patients of certain diseases, including AIDS, cancer and hepatitis.

December 2007

Danotek Motion Technologies, the technology developer and manufacturer of Permanent Magnet Generators, Power Control Electronics and Brushless Motors for power generation industries and advance automotive applications, announced in 12/2007 that it will expand its operation and relocate to Pittsfield Township. The new expanded facility will accommodate the manufacture of up to three mega watt variable speed PM generators for use with wind turbines, CHP (combined heat and power) as well as brushless steering systems for electric vehicle application. The project is expected to generate 141 new jobs.

Ann Arbor-based cell analysis tools company, Accuri Cytometers,is planning to invest $2 million to expand its Scio Township operations to commercialize new products, it was announced in 12/2007. The project is expected to create 88 new jobs at the company.

Unified Brands Inc. plans to relocate its Arizona operations to its Broomfield Township facility in Isabella County. The company, a manufacturer of restaurant equipment, will invest $6.7 million in the expansion and create 158 new jobs in Michigan.

MS Automotive LLC, a subsidiary of Germany-based Maschinenfabrik Spaichingen GmbH, will invest more than $21.8 million in a new, custom-built North American headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fowlerville, it was announced in 12/2007. The project is expected to create 106 new jobs at the company. The machining operation focuses on diesel engine components and manufactures ultra sonic welding machines and related components to assist in the production of car bumper fascias, car door panels and instrument panels.

Dow Automotive announced in 12/2007 that it will invest more than $100 million to expand its Michigan Operations Manufacturing Site in Midland for production of a new automotive filter. The expansion is expected to create 55 new jobs. The company will renovate three functionally obsolete buildings to begin production of Diesel Particulate Filters for light and medium-duty trucks in response to new emission control regulations scheduled for 2010.

Battle Creek-based Kellogg Company announced in 12/2007 that it will expand its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research. The 157,000-square-foot pilot plant and office space addition will expand the company’s existing global center for research and innovation activities. The expansion will cost $40 million, with another $14 million being spent on pilot plant equipment over the next 10 years. The expanded facility will include food and packaging review rooms, chemistry labs, test kitchens, development labs and a large, flexible production pilot plant where new ideas for food products are tested prior to full-scale production at the company’s manufacturing plants.

November 2007

GE Aviation announced in 11/2007 that it would invest $1 million to expand in Houghton and create 50 new high-tech jobs. The engineering staff at GE’s Houghton University Development Center will develop software and perform verification, validation, mechanical design and hardware design for the GE Systems division.

France-based Inergy Automotive Systems will relocate its Ontario, Canada operations to its Adrian facility it was announced in 11/2007. The expansion will create $8.2 million in investment by Inergy and up to 189 new jobs at the company. The company is the world’s largest fuel systems supplier operating 28 facilities in 17 countries.

Dearborn Group, Inc. announced 11/2007 that it will invest more than $1.1 million and create 145 new jobs to expand operations in Farmington Hills. The company is a leading supplier of in-vehicle network products, engineering, consulting and education for automotive, truck and bus, commercial, military, construction, agriculture and fleet industries.

France-based Inergy Automotive Systems, LLC announced 11/2007 that they are investing $8.2 million to relocate its Ontario, Canada operations to its Adrian facility. The project is expected to create 427 new jobs.

October 2007

Wacker Corp. completed construction on a new 151,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Norton Shores in 10/2007. The company will manufacture hydronic heaters, air heaters and dehumidifiers at the site and add 15 to 20 new jobs to the current payroll of 30.

Camshaft Machine Company announced 10/2007 that it plans to invest $10.9 million in a two-phased expansion in Coldwater. The project is expected to create 180 new jobs at the company.

Marathon Petroleum Company LLC will invest $1.5 billion to expand its refinery facility in southwest Detroit, it was announced in 10/2007. The company will construct the expansion on a 22-acre site adjacent to the existing refinery. The proposed project will include the addition of new processing units that will enable the refining of more crude oil from Canada, while increasing the refinery's capacity by 15 percent. The expansion will create 135 new jobs.

NEAPCO Driveline LLC, a Pennsylvania-based drivetrain developer and manufacturer, will invest $29.4 million in a new operations facility in Van Buren Township. The project, announced in 10/2007, is expected to create 285 new jobs.

Dow Corning Corp., maker of silicon materials, announced 10/1/07 that it had invested $50 million in new equipment for its Midland plant that is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent, total emissions by 75 percent and lower the site’s consumption of natural gas by 400 billion Btu per year.

BMT Aerospace USA Inc., a maker of gearbox assemblies for the aerospace industry, will invest $6.5 million to expand in Fraser, it was announced in 10/2007. The firm will purchase and renovate an existing building and install new equipment.

September 2007

Universal Forest Products announced in 9/2007 that it will invest nearly $1.5 million in equipment, building and land improvements to expand manufacturing operations at its White Pigeon facility. The expansion is expected to create up to 80 new jobs.

Canada-based Azure Dynamics plans to relocate its headquarters and parts of its development, testing and production operations to a facility in Oak Park, it was announced in 9/2007. The supplier of electric and hybrid-electric commercial vehicle control and powertrain systems is expected to create 125 jobs.

Thomson-Shore, a growing printer of short-run books, will expand its operations in Dexter through the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment. The company announced its plans in 9/2007.

August 2007

German-based Kolbenschmidt Pierburg AG (KSPG), a high-tech manufacturer of powertrain-related automotive components, will invest $11 million to establish a new technical center in Auburn Hills. The project is expected to create 153 new jobs.

Adaptive Materials Inc., a developer of portable fuel cell technology, announced in 8/2007 that it plans to invest $2.8 million to relocate its R&D operations and pilot production to a larger facility in Pittsfield Township. The project is expected to create 100 new jobs.

HandyLab Inc. announced in 8/2007 plans to invest $3 million to begin the manufacture of its Jaguar system, a bench top nucleic acid testing system, in Pittsfield Township. The project is expected to create 56 new jobs.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. announced in 8/2007 that it will expand in Detroit and create 598 jobs. The company, which develops, manufactures, markets and distributes generic and private-label pharmaceuticals, will invest approximately $14.5 million in a 140,000-square-foot expansion of its current manufacturing operations.

Wenzel GmbH, a German manufacturer of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), will open a 24,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Wixom on 10/9/2007. The building will house administrative and engineering offices, production operations for the Wenzel X-Orbit and LH series of bridge style CMMs and a customer training and demonstration facility.

It was announced in 8/2007 that Trelleborg Automotive, based in Sweden, plans to invest $10.2 million in a new technical center in Northville Township. The tech center will be used for advanced engineering and product development activities and is expected to create 32 jobs.

Office furniture products manufacturer G. A. Richards Company announced 8/2007 that it will build a new, nearly 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Grand Rapids.

July 2007

Fab Masters Company, Inc., a custom aluminum fabrication company, broke ground in 7/2007 on a 31,000-square-foot expansion.

Massachusetts-based Mascoma Corporation announced in 7/2007 that it will build a cellulosic ethanol plant — one of the first in the U.S. — in Michigan. The plant will produce ethanol from wood chips and other non-food agricultural crops on a commercial scale.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc.’s Lansing facility will invest $30 million in an expansion, the company announced in 7/2007. Emergent BioSolutions develops, manufactures and commercializes vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Its marketed product, BioThrax, is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection.

June 2007

Hitachi Automotive Products (USA) Inc., a designer and manufacturer of automotive components and systems, will expand its 100 new jobs at the company.

LMS North America, a Belgium-based engineering firm serving companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries, announced in 6/2007 that it will $600,000 to expand in Troy. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs at the company.

General Mills Operations Inc. announced 6/2007 that it will invest approximately $32 million to expand its Yoplait yogurt plant in Reed City. The project will create 25 new jobs at the site.

Whitehall Industries, a manufacturer of precision, machined and fabricated aluminum extrusions, will invest $6.3 million to expand its Ludington and Pere Marquette Charter Township facilities in Mason County. The project, announced in 6/2007, will create 100 new jobs at the company.

Keihin Manufacturing will build a new production facility in Capac, investing more than $22 million. The plant, expected to create 260 jobs in the community, will produce auto manifold assemblies and HVAC systems.

May 2007

Energy Steel will build a new manufacturing facility in Lapeer, the company announced in 5/2007, investing more than $5.7 million and creating 18 new jobs.

General Motors Corporation announced in 5/2007 that it will invest $63 million in its Saginaw Powertrain plant. The investment will cover a plant renovation and installation of a new semi-permanent molding line for casting aluminum cylinder heads for GM's 3.6-liter high-feature V-6 engines. Construction will begin in spring 2009 for completion in January 2011.

Dowding Machining LLC, a new venture of Dowding Industries Inc., announced in 5/1007 that it will invest $7.1 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Eaton Rapids. The project will create 200 jobs.

Sparton Corporation announced plans to invest $2.7 million 5/2007 to expand its Blackman Township facility near Jackson to accommodate an expansion of its engineering and production capabilities for electronics assemblies for the aerospace industry and other applications. The project will create 100 new jobs.

Dexter Chassis Group announced in 5/2007 that it will invest $10 million to build a new manufacturing plant in White Pigeon in southwest Michigan. The project will create 29 new jobs.

April 2007

Cayman Chemical Company Inc., a manufacturer of biochemical research products, will invest $9.7 million in a 40,000-square-foot expansion in Pittsfield Township it was announced in 4/2007. The expansion will create 208 new jobs.

Japan-based Keihin Corporation, through its North American subsidiary Keihin Indiana Precision Technology Inc. (KIPT), will build a $22-million manufacturing facility in the village of Capac in St. Clair County. The new plant will create 260 new jobs. The news was annpunced in 4/2007.

Microposite Inc., a designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced composite materials for applications in the construction industry and the oil exploration and transmission industry, will invest $7 million to relocate its headquarters from Novi and expand into an existing facility in Auburn Hills. The project, announced in 4/2007, will create 62 new jobs at the company.

Seissenschmidt Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Germany-based Seissenschmidt-Group, announced in 4/2007 that it will invest $1.3 million to locate its new North American headquarters at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda Township. The project will create 85 new company jobs. The company produces forged precision automotive components.

IAV Automotive Engineering Inc., a subsidiary of Germany-based IAV GmbH, will invest $18.2 million to relocate and expand its current engineering operation from Ann Arbor to Northville Township. The project will create 107 new jobs. The firm provides engineering services to the automotive industry, including powertrain, electronics and vehicle development for major manufacturers and component suppliers.

March 2007

Millennium Steering LLC will invest $8 million to renovate a 118,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Cass City, it was announced in 3.2007. Millennuim Steering manufactures engine compartment products for autos and light trucks including power steering reservoirs, oil return lines and rack tubes.

The Envelope Printery, announced in 3/2007 that it will invest $1.5 million to expand its 73,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Van Buren Township. The company makes envelopes and letterhead stationery.

Metal Flow Corporation, manufacturer of deep drawn metal components and assemblies, announced in 3/2007 that it will build a 46,000-square-foot addition, make land improvements and acquire and install equipment, furnishings and fixtures at the company’s Holland Township location.

Surefil LLC announced in 3/2007 that it will invest more than $5.4 million to build and equip a 52,000-square-foot addition to the company’s manufacturing facility in Kentwood. Surefil makes pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

PureFlex Inc., a manufacturer of high-purity hose, fittings and advanced composite valves for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, will invest $4.4 million to acquire and renovate a manufacturing facility in Kentwood. The announcement was made in 3/2007.

Hausbeck Pickle Company, a supplier of packaged pickles and peppers, based in Saginaw, will invest more than $4.7 million to buy land and refurbish an existing manufacturing plant and to build an addition to the facility, it was announced in 3/2007.

Plascore Inc. will invest $4.8 million to construct and equip a new, 53,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and to equip an existing factory in Zeeland it was announced in 3/2007. Plascore manufactures thermoplastic cores, panels and panel systems.

MBtech Autodie LLC will invest $5 million in the former Autodie International facility in Grand Rapids to implement in a new manufacturing model based on lean principles, the company announced in 3/2007. Part of the investment will include workforce training in Lean manufacturing principles and applications.

February 2007

Meiden American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Meidensha Corporation, announced 2/2/07 that it is launching a new company in Northville Township. Meiden Technical Center North America LLC will provide contract testing and engineering services for the development of advanced gasoline and diesel combustion engines and create 20 news jobs. The company will invest about $17 million in the new technical center, which will open in late 2007.

January 2007

Premiere Property Holdings LLC, owner of Premiere Packaging Inc., announced in 1/2007 that it will add an approximately 15,000-square-foot addition to its existing facility in Genesee County, investing more than $1.2 million. The company manufactures and packages automotive and household cleaners.

Vico Products Co., a manufacturer of steel parts for the auto industry, will acquire new machinery and equipment for its facility in Plymouth Township, it was announced 1/2007. Bond funding of more than $1.6 million will support the expansion.

Tesla Motors, Inc. announced in 1/2007 that it will invest $47.7 million to locate a new research and development center in Rochester Hills. The new facility will employ 76 people.

Gentz Industries will undertake a $3.7 million expansion at its Warren facility that will create 125 new jobs, the company announced in 1/2007.

Eaton Corporation will invest $1 million to consolidate operations in Jackson it was announced in 1/2007.

Ford Motor Company announced plans in 1/2007 to invest nearly $870 in six of its Michigan facilities. The investments will help upgrade transmission and stamping plants for the new F150 truck, and a line of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.

BioFuels Industries Group L.L.C. broke ground in late 12/2006 on a new $20 million biofuels plant in Adrian. The plant is expected to be completed in 6/2007 and to begin producing renewable biodiesel by early 7/2007.

Lear Corporation will create 40 jobs and invest $2.9 million as the result of continued expansion in the village of Mendon. The investment was announced in 12/2006.

November 2006

Skill-Craft Co., a machine tools manufacturer in Ira Township, announced in 11/2006 that it will invest $1.18 million to build and equip a new, 12,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Solidica, Inc., a developer of technology that allows the embedding of advanced sensors in metals and other objects, signed a new lease for 15,325 square feet of office and manufacturing space in Ann Arbor. The new space more than doubles Solidica’s size. Solidica provides products for users in aerospace, automotive, medical, tooling, electronics and the military.

Edgewater Automation LLC, a designer and manufacturer of custom automation equipment for assembly and testing, announced plans to invest $1.05 million to expand its operations in St. Joseph. The expansion, announced in 11/2006, is expected to create 45 new jobs. The company supplies the medical, electronic, automotive, stored power, pharmaceutical and alternative energy industries.

Niowave, Inc., a spin-off company from Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory and Electrical Engineering Department, will transform a vacant, two-story school in East Lansing into a high-tech manufacturing facility, the company announced in 11/2006. Niowave will invest more than $5 million in the project, which is expected to create 75 new jobs.

Kreher Wire Processing, Inc. in Romulus announced in 11/2006 that it will invest nearly $2.7 million to add more than 17,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity. The company provides steel processing services, including annealing, pickling, coating and wire drawing.

October 2006

Avon Gear Co., a subsidiary of Japan’s Okubo Gear, announced in 10/2006 that it would invest up to $7 million in new equipment to support its operations in Rochester Hills. The investment will begin in late 2006 and conclude at the end of 2008. The supplier of precision-machined components and sub-assemblies for the heavy equipment industry says the investment will allow it to fulfill new contracts and compete for additional business.

Germany-based Söhnergroup announced in 10/2006 that it will relocate the North American headquarters and operations of GRW Technologies to Kentwood from Virginia. The company is expected to employ 60 and grow its workforce to as many as 150 employees by the end of 2008. GRW Technologies, a manufacturer of precision injection moldings, in relocating its operations to Kentwood will transfer assets, valued at $3 million and invest approximately $1.7 million to lease and equip a facility.

BASF Corporation, a multinational chemicals and plastics manufacturing corporation, announced in 10/2006 that it plans to invest $150 million to relocate its R&D, administrative and manufacturing operations to Wyandotte from Wisconsin. The new facility is expected to create 175 new jobs in Michigan.

Karmann Manufacturing LLC will invest $22 million in its Plymouth manufacturing R&D facility. The expansion, announced in 10/2006, is expected to create 375 new jobs at the firm. Karmann manufactures automotive components.

PureFlex, Inc. plans to invest $7.3 million to lease and equip a new facility, the company stated in 10/2006. The project is expected to create 225 new jobs. The company manufactures fluid handling and sealing products specifically designed for the ultra pure, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

American Litho Incorporated, a subsidiary of Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging, will invest $13.5 million for a new production line in Kentwood, creating 163 jobs. Konica Minolta Graphic Imaging will also move its headquarters to Kentwood. Both announcements were made in 10/2006.

AG Simpson Automotive Systems in Sterling Heights announced in 10/2006 that it will create 130 new jobs at an expanded automotive parts assembly plant.

Ryder Integrated Logistics announced in 10/2006 that it will invest $20 million to consolidate its logistics operations in Novi. Four hundred new jobs will be created.

Demmer Corporation announced it will invest $12 million to expand manufacturing and logistical operations in Lansing, where it will create 300 jobs. Demmer, a supplier of metal machined and stamped parts for the automotive, defense, aerospace and commercial industries, made the announcement in 10/2006.

Pioneer Steel Corporation will invest $3.1 million to construct 40,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and to buy machinery and equipment for the facility in Byron Township. The company provides metal burning and machining services to the automotive, machine tool and tool and die industries. The announcement was made in 10/2006.

Metaltec Steel Abrasive Company announced in 10/2006 plans to invest $2.7 million to help finance construction of a 23,000-square-foot addition to an existing plant in Canton Township and to equip it. Metaltec is a manufacturer of low carbon, cast steel shot for blasting castings and shoot peening applications, primarily for the auto industry.

John A. Van Den Bosch Company announced in 10/2006 that it will invest $2 million toward the expansion of a facility in Zeeland. The facility produces and processes bird seed.

Packaging Specialties Inc., in Ecorse, announced that it plans to invest nearly $1.5 million to acquire and install machinery and equipment for production of corrugated containers. The announcement was made in 10/2006.

Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation plans to invest between $50-60 million to consolidate operations and establish one North American headquarters location in Auburn Hills, including a vehicle and application engineering facility and test labs. The project, announced 10/2006, is expected to create and retain up to 1,100 jobs. Siemens VDO is a leading international automotive supplier of electronics and mechatronics.

Backyard Storage Solutions LLC announced on 10/2006 plans to open a new manufacturing, distribution and administrative facility in Monroe that will replace the company’s smaller facility in Warren. The company, which makes residential storage and garden structures, will invest more than $5 million to purchase and equip the new facility. The project will create 80 new company jobs.

September 2006

Hi-Lex Controls, Inc. announced 9/2006 that it will invest $26.8 million to expand its operations in Hudson and Litchfield, creating 208 jobs. Hi-Lex Controls will manufacture door modules for DaimlerChrysler in Hudson and window regulators for Ford Motor Co. in Litchfield.

Siemens Water Technologies Corp. announced 9/2006 that it plans to invest nearly $3 million in its Holland facility, a project that is expected to create 80 jobs with the company. The company manufactures products and systems for water and wastewater treatment for industrial, institutional and municipal customers. The company currently employs 130 workers in Holland with additional operations in Hazel Park and Wyoming.

Tech Group Grand Rapids, Inc. announced 9/2006 that it will invest $12.4 million to upgrade its custom injection molding plant in Walker to manufacture a new product line. The project will create 105 new jobs.

United Solar Ovonics, an alternative energy company, built a new, $129 million plant in Greenville in 2006 and created 200 new jobs. The company announced in 9/2006 that it will add a second manufacturing plant, to begin operations in 2008, in Greenville.

Ypsilanti-based Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. announced 9/2006 that it had tripled the manufacturing capacity for its NanoGetters product, a reactive film used in high-tech miniature electronics applications. The company spent about $100,000 on the expansion.

August 2006

Martinrea Industries, Inc. announced in 8/2006 that it plans to open a new facility in Manchester. The company will invest $8.3 million to upgrade and equip the new facility. The project will create 197 new jobs at the company. Martinrea develops and manufactures metal forming and fluid management systems for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company employs more than 340 workers at its Michigan operations in Clare, Dexter, Lincoln Park, Reed City and Troy.

Avon Automotive announced 8/2006 that it plans to invest $7.6 million to upgrade its manufacturing facilities in Cadillac and Manton. The project will retain 565 company jobs. Avon Automotive designs and manufactures low-pressure hoses and hose assemblies for coolant, heater, fuel, vacuum brake and other automotive control applications.

Gestamp US HardTech, Inc. announced 8/2006 that it plans to invest $74 million to expand its operations in Mason. The project will create 150 new jobs at the company. Gestamp US HardTech develops, manufactures and markets safety and structural components for the auto industry. The company currently employs more than 170 people at its Mason plant.

Inter-Power Corporation/Kaja Enterprises LLC/Interpower Induction Services, Inc. announced in 8/2006 expansions of two plants in Almont Township and Fraser with the help of $1.8 million in bonds from Michigan’s Private Activity Bond Program. The facilities will be used to manufacture induction heating tooling and equipment.

North American Forest Products, Inc. announced in 8/2006 it will build a new plant in Ontwa Township in Cass County, with the help of a $360,000 state grant. The new plant will involve an additional $3.35 million in private investment and will create 45 new jobs. North American Forest Products, Inc. is a lumber component and truss manufacturer serving the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.

Archive

Advanced Photonix, Inc. moved its headquarters from Camarillo, California to Ann Arbor in 2006 after buying a smaller competitor there. Advanced Photonix is an electronics and optics semiconductor fabricator.

Whirlpool Corporation consolidated its administrative operations in Michigan in 2006. The move will create more than 400 jobs in Benton Harbor.

Aisin Seiki, an auto supplier, broke ground in 10/2005 on a proving ground in Fowlerville to test vehicle and systems performance.

Denso International America, Inc. announced in 7/2005 it would invest $248 million to expand two U.S. plants and add a testing center at its U.S. headquarters in Southfield. The projects are expected to add about 900 jobs by 2010.

Toyota U.S. announced a $150 million expansion in 2005 to its Ann Arbor area R&D center that will add 400 jobs. The company also announced it will invest another $37 million to add a crash test facility in York Township.

Kellogg Company moved its U.S. Snacks division from Illinois to Michigan in 2004, creating an additional 650 jobs in Battle Creek and Wyoming.

Hyundai Motor Company opened its $117 million technical center in Ann Arbor in 2004. The center will eventually employ 400.