MEDC Approves $10M in Community Projects

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LANSING —The Michigan Economic Development Corp. today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of one business expansion and two community revitalization projects in Michigan that will generate $10 million in private investment and create 107 jobs.

“The commitment of these companies to grow and create jobs here demonstrates the significance of our greatly improved business climate and infrastructure,” says MEDC president and CEO Michael A. Finney. Today’s projects, representing a variety of industries, mean more jobs and greater economic opportunities for people throughout Michigan.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved incentives for the following projects:

SL America Corp., a Tier 1 supplier of exterior lighting, gear shifters, electronics, and pedal modules for the automotive industry, is a subsidiary of South Korea-based SL Corp. The company has outgrown its facility in Sterling Heights and plans to expand into an existing building in Auburn Hills, investing more than $8 million and creating more than 70 jobs. As a result of the expansion, the project has been awarded a $615,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Tennessee. The city of Auburn Hills has offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatement.

The Village of Cassopolis has been awarded $127,800 in Community Development Block Grant funds to be used toward infrastructure improvements for the Schwintek Inc. expansion project in Cassopolis. As a manufacturer of automatic Bimini tops for the boating industry, Schwintek, expanding its facility due to increased demand. The expansion will generate a total capital investment of $750,000 and create 10 jobs. The company has agreed that at least six of the jobs will be held by low to moderate income persons.

The city of Marquette has been awarded $481,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the rehabilitation of the vacant, historic Delft Theater in the downtown. The project will convert the vacant theater into a restaurant and dinner theater. The completed project will include a rooftop deck, a flexible stage for live events, and balcony seating. The funds will be used for interior and exterior building rehabilitation. The project will generate nearly $1.3 million in private investment and create 25 jobs, with at least 13 of the positions to be held by low to moderate income persons. The city of Marquette Downtown Development Authority will contribute $10,000 toward the project.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.