November 8, 2005

Project Will Create 73 New Manufacturing Jobs

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced two grants totaling $190,000 to the village of Middleville to help Alliance Sheet Metal and Metaldyne expand their existing operations. The projects are expected to create a total of 73 new manufacturing jobs and involve $7.6 million in private investment.       

 “Helping communities attract new businesses and major expansion projects is critical to Michigan’s economic success,” Granholm said. “These grants will strengthen two vital Michigan manufacturers and bring good-paying jobs and additional investment to Middleville.”

The grants are being made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant program.
 
The village will use a $90,000 grant to make improvements to Crane Road and extend water and sewer service to Alliance Sheet Metal’s new 43,000-square-foot facility. The sheet metal fabricator will invest about $1.6 million in the project, which is expected to create nine new jobs.
 
An additional $100,000 grant will help the village finance improvements to State Street to accommodate the increased traffic that will result from the expansion of Metaldyne. The Plymouth-based metal component manufacturer will invest approximately $6 million to modify the Middleville facility in preparation for a new production line. The project is expected to create 64 new jobs.

“We are pleased to start on yet another project with the MEDC and appreciate their continued cooperation and support,” Village President Lon Myers said. “As one of Michigan’s Cool Cities, we grow and create jobs in southwest Michigan.”
 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the state’s Community Development Block Grant funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to eligible counties, cities, villages and townships—typically those with populations less than 50,000—for economic development, community development and housing projects. Larger communities receive block grant funds directly from the federal government. 
 
The MEDC is able to award approximately $40 million in federal CDBG funds each year. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.
 
 “These projects are good examples of why the CDBG program was created,” MEDC President and CEO James Epolito said. “Both grants will help address the cost of the public infrastructure necessary to create jobs and grow the economic base of smaller communities like Middleville.”

In her 2005 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of making Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Since January 2005 the Governor and the MEDC announced the creation or retention of more than 63,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.
 
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.