Lansing, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan’s economy would get a big lift from the development of almost 200 new jobs in Calhoun, Kent, and Kalkaska counties. The initiatives, which cost more than $31 million in capital, show that manufacturing and innovation continue to be strong across the state.
ProTec Panel and Truss will grow in Battle Creek with a $3 million investment that is estimated to create 50 new jobs. The company, which makes engineered roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels, has bought an empty building that will soon be put to good use again.
ProTec officials said the move gets them closer to Michigan’s pool of manufacturing workers and puts them in a better position to meet regional demand. Local leaders stressed that the project will not only create high-paying jobs, but it will also help with construction demands related to the state’s housing deficit.
Weiss Technik North America, a leader in environmental test chambers, is getting ready for a big expansion in Kentwood. The company will spend $25.6 million to develop a new 125,000-square-foot building, which will create 36 jobs. With wage levels well above the regional median, the positions will strengthen West Michigan’s high-tech workforce.
Company leaders said that the area’s talented workforce and backing from the city of Kentwood and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were important reasons why they chose to expand in the area instead of moving to another state.
The opening of WarBird Protection Group’s new factory in Kalkaska will also create a lot of jobs in Northern Michigan. The company, which started in 2023, makes high-tech protection gear for the military and police. It will create 110 employment with pay that is higher than the regional average with its $3 million investment. WarBird looked at other states before choosing Michigan because it had strong local ties and backing from the state. Leaders in the Kalkaska community were happy to see the project as a way to boost the area’s economy.
“Today’s announcements will build on Michigan’s economic momentum, creating nearly 200 good-paying manufacturing jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “I want to thank Warbird, Protec, and Weiss Technik for choosing to invest in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to strengthen our economic development tools so we can help more workers and businesses make it in Michigan.”
The MEDC has supported all three initiatives through performance-based grants, while local governments provided additional assistance through tax abatements and workforce training partnerships. Economic officials stressed that Michigan remains a great place for businesses to expand because of the mix of incentives, accessible talent, and community support.
Residents of Calhoun, Kent, and Kalkaska counties will soon have new job opportunities that pay more than the average in the area. This is part of Michigan’s attempts to grow its manufacturing base while also helping local communities.