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Granholm Says Michigan on Cusp of Green Industrial Revolution Governor Granholm Signs Michigan Promotion Bills, Announces Historic Investment in Marketing Michigan Granholm Traveling to Israel, Kuwait to Bring New Investment, Jobs Back to Michigan Governor Granholm, MDA Continue to Work to Protect Consumers at the Pump MI Opportunity Partnership Successful, to Become Part of New Bureau of Workforce Transformation and No Worker Left Behind

This week, I had the pleasure of announcing nearly a half a billion dollars in investments around Michigan, including one of the largest life sciences investments in Michigan’s history.  MPI Research Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive preclinical research and development services, will invest in Mattawan and Kalamazoo.  Other projects include BAE Systems in Sterling Heights, Von Weise Inc. in Eaton Rapids, and two brownfield redevelopment projects in Grand Rapids and Huron Township. Combined, the projects are expected to create and retain a total of 9,013 jobs and involve approximately $468.3 million in new capital investment in the state.
 
We worked hard to win these investments for Michigan, and we will continue to go anywhere and do anything to bring new jobs to our state.  These companies are growing jobs here because our state has an outstanding workforce, a competitive business climate, and is a great place to do business.
 
The five projects are:
 
•  MPI Research Inc.: The provider of comprehensive preclinical research and development services is planning a $330 million expansion in Mattawan and Kalamazoo.  The project is expected to create 3,300 new jobs at the company and an additional 3,300 spin-off jobs.  MPI will invest approximately $300 million to expand its facility in Mattawan and $30 million to launch new operations in Kalamazoo at two buildings donated by Pfizer on E. Lovell and Portage streets. 

•  BAE Systems:  The global defense and aerospace company is launching a $58.4 million expansion project for its Land & Armaments operating group in Sterling Heights.  The project is expected to create 460 new engineering and high-tech jobs at the company and an additional 559 spin-off jobs.  BAE Systems plans to convert an existing large industrial property in the city into a state-of-the-art prototyping and test facility. 
 
•  Von Weise Inc.: The global manufacturer of gear motors, linear actuators, blowers, starters and other industrial applications 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 364 new Michigan jobs, including 159 directly by the company. 
 
•  Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority: State and local tax capture will be used by Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to support the development of the $72 million Pinnacle Race Course on 240 acres at Interstate 275 near Sibley Road in Huron Township.  Ground was broken April 4 for Phase 1 of what will be Michigan’s only thoroughbred racetrack when it begins racing July 18.  When completed, Pinnacle will feature two tracks, grandstands, picnic area, clubhouse, horse barns and grooms’ quarters.  Total capacity is estimated at 8,000, with 1,200 horse stalls located on site.  Future growth on the remaining 80 acres of the site will consist of retail and/or commercial development.  The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs. 
 
•  City of Grand Rapids: State and local tax capture valued at $207,277 will assist Third Coast Development Partners LLC in the construction of a single-story, 22,000-square-foot structure at the former Bishop’s Furniture site at 1697 Michigan Street in Grand Rapids.  It will be leased to Spectrum Health for a child care and development center, allowing the hospital to merge current child development activities from two separate locations in the metro area.  The new center is expected to generate $4.6 million private investment and retain 30 jobs.

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