GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Nearly 100 new high-tech manufacturing jobs will be created in Grand Traverse County announced Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Representative Betsy Coffia. The jobs are part of an expansion by Earfab Americas, a new joint venture between Traverse City-based Altus Brands, LLC, and Denmark-based Earfab ApS, have joined forces to manufacture custom-made ear protection for private labels and OEMs. This dynamic project will help expand the capabilities of this company and bolster the region with a robust workforce in the key sector of manufacturing.
“At Networks Northwest and Northwest Michigan Works! we are excited to welcome the Altus Brands LLC and Earfab ApS partnership to Northwest Lower Michigan,” noted Terry Vandercook, CEO, Networks Northwest. “Altus Brand LLC has a long history of being an employer of choice in the region. The creation of such a significant number of living wage jobs will positively impact economic prosperity in the local area, the region, and the state.”
“Altus Brands new venture with Earfab is another example of Michigan’s leadership in the outdoor recreation economy and Grand Traverse County’s globally competitive manufacturing sector,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “With the creation of more than 90 family-sustaining jobs, this investment will support the continued growth of our high-skilled and technologically-advanced workforce, strengthening our regional economy.”
The company is looking to make a production pivot to increase profitability which will result in the purchase and installation of new injection molding machines. The footprint of the project will expand to 15,000 square feet including production, packing, shipping, the construction of offices, parking, and employee lounge.
“Michigan is continuing to prioritize economic development and job creation, and I’m thrilled to see these efforts and crucial investments happening right here in Michigan’s 103rd House District,” said state Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City).
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2,740,000 and create up to 93 new jobs with the support of a $575,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company has chosen Green Lake Township, Grawn over a competing site in Tampa, FL.
“Today’s expansion by two homegrown Michigan companies is further proof that Michigan is on the move and open for business,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, commenting on the expansion in Grand Traverse County and another jobs announcement in Grand Rapids. “We are bringing supply chains home from overseas, creating high-tech, good-paying jobs in Michigan communities, and experiencing record-high economic growth. I applaud Payload CMS and Earfab Americas for their decision to invest here in Michigan, and I am committed to helping more individuals, families, and businesses make it in Michigan.”
