It's raining jobs! Hallelujah!

by: PerfectStormer

Tue Jun 16, 2009 at 13:19:32 PM EDT

Via the governor's office:

• Farmers Group Inc. - The insurance management services provider plans to invest $84.4 million to expand their operating capabilities on the grounds of their existing Caledonia location. The expansion includes a print and distribution center, call center growth space and a training facility, which is an expansion of the University of Farmers Grand Rapids, to provide training for approximately 5,000 employees and company agents each year. The project is expected to create 2,727 new jobs, including 1,600 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 1,127 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $62.5 million to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in other states. In addition, the MEDC has offered an employee training grant of up to $335,000 through the economic development job training program. Caledonia Township is considering an abatement to support the project.
• Holland Awning Company, d/b/a Integrated Fabric Resource - The custom designer and manufacturer of fabric-based packaging products servicing the auto industry plans to invest $3.7 million to expand in Holland Charter Township to produce flexi-tanks for shipping bulk liquids. The project is expected to create 510 new jobs, including 270 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 240 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2.1 million over seven years to encourage the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in China. To support the project, Holland Charter Township is considering an abatement.
• Johnson Technology Inc. - The aerospace manufacturer and producer of jet engine components for military and commercial operations plans to invest $15 million to bring work to its Muskegon plant from competitors in five states to develop a new high-tech plasma coating spray for use in aircraft engines. The project is expected to create 167 new jobs, including 74 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project could also create an additional 93 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2 million over 12 years to help convince the company to expand in Michigan over a competing site in Indiana. The city of Muskegon is considering an abatement to support the project.
• Roskam Baking Company - The supplier of croutons, cereal, snack mixes and dry-mix products for major food companies plans to invest $60.5 million to add new lines at its Kentwood facility to make products for independent businesses. The project is expected to create 3,168 new jobs, including 1,500 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 1,668 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $20.1 million over 10 years. The city of Kentwood is considering an abatement to support the project.
• Energetx Composites LLC - The manufacturer of composite components plans to invest $37 million to ramp up production in Holland of utility-scale wind turbine blades and other composite parts for the wind energy industry. The project will create 2,599 total jobs, including 1,068 directly by the company. The MEDC estimates the increased economic activity created by the project will create an additional 1,531 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC's recommendation, the MEGA board today approved a state tax credit valued at $27.3 million to encourage the company to expand in Michigan over competing sites in other states. The city of Holland is considering an abatement to support the project.
• City of Holland - State and local tax capture valued at $1.8 million will support the redevelopment of several sites on Lake Macatawa. The project will include the construction of 27 new residential town homes and a private marina. The project will generate $10 million in new capital investment and is expected to create up to 12 new jobs.