Michigan officials announce 70 new jobs from two business expansion projects
LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Two business expansion projects will result in a total 70 new jobs between Emmet and St. Clair counties, state officials announced.
The impact will generate over $16 million in capital investment in Southeast and Northwest Michigan, according to the press release sent by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office.
"Team Michigan is proud to support and earn the investment of two Michigan-born companies expanding their manufacturing operations," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Emmet County
In Northwest Michigan, Aster Brands is announcing their expansion that will result in 15 new jobs in Emmet County and investing over $7 million in a new headquarters facility at a currently vacant site on M-199 in Harbor Springs, Little Traverse Township.
Aster Brands is a family-owned business that specializes in steel forming systems for concrete product manufacturing. The company plans to continue investing in manufacturing equipment with additional, larger product categories. The Michigan Strategic Fund helped support this investment with a $750,000 MBDP performance-based grant.
"After outgrowing our facilities, we chose to continue to invest in Northern Michigan as we are driven by a strong purpose to grow our business and support the local community," said Jake Manthei, President of Aster Brands, said in the announcement. "We are deeply grateful for MEDC's support in making this vision a reality."
The newly created jobs will have starting wages of $21 per hour plus benefits, which is greater than the regional median wage.
St. Clair County
In Southeast Michigan, Flash Steelworks has announced an expansion project that will result in $8.8 million of capital investment and create 55 jobs in St. Clair County's Ira Township.
Flash Steelworks launched in 2006, and is a research and development firm and steel manufacturer. The company's high value, weldable steel has successfully earned the business several government contracts.
Funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund comes via a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in the amount of $750,000. In addition to that support, the company was awarded three Small Business Innovation Research grants from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to fabricate full-scale production equipment.
"Flash Steelworks creates steel that is stronger than titanium, lighter than aluminum, and is able to stop speeding bullets at record-setting velocity," said Gary Cola, CTO & Founder of Flash Steelworks. "While creating good paying skilled jobs, Flash Steel will better protect those in harm's way, be it in an automobile or armored carrier."
The newly created jobs will have an average wage of $32.82, which is greater than the regional median wage.