LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced four new projects this week that are slated to bring $240 million in investments and 1,300 jobs to Michigan.
The four projects are Teradyne, a leading supplier of automatic test equipment and advanced robotics, will establish a U.S. Operations Hub in Wixom, Technology solutions company Eccalon, a technology solutions company, will establish its headquarters in Detroit, HealthBridge Financial, a FinTech company, will expand in West Michigan and The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) will create at least 76 new jobs and invest up to $122.6 million into facilities in the Ovid in Clinton County.
“Michigan is open for business and on the move, creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy so every family can succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “From advanced robotics to finance software to dairy, these four companies will drive growth and cutting-edge innovation in Michigan. Their partnership will bring over 1,300 new good-paying jobs to Michigan, helping us revitalize our communities and empower our workforce. I’ll keep going anywhere and working with anyone to make Michigan the best place to live, work, and invest.”
About the Projects
Teradyne: The project will create approximately 230 new jobs and invest up to $32 million to manufacture Universal Robots industrial collaborative robots, known as cobots, with future potential to include MiR autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The facility will also serve as a regional customer training center, service hub, and visitor experience center.
“Locating this hub in Metro Detroit puts us at the center of U.S. manufacturing and innovation,” said Justin Brown, Chief Commercial Officer of the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Being close to leading manufacturers allows us to deliver automation solutions to some of our biggest customers, enabling Teradyne Robotics to be even more agile and responsive. The region’s industrial foundation, strong talent base, world-class universities and growing aerospace sector make it an ideal base to support advanced manufacturing in the United States.”
“Teradyne’s decision to locate its cutting-edge U.S. Operations Headquarters, along with more than 200 good-paying jobs to Wixom, is great news,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “It’s a testament to the commitment and collaboration that Oakland County and the state of Michigan have shown to strengthening our economy and growing jobs in the important sectors of advanced manufacturing and robotics.”
Eccalon: The project intends to create at least 800 new jobs with pay ranging from $25 per hour up to $100 per hour – above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour – and invest $71 million.
“Eccalon is proud to be able to bring this project to Detroit, and we look forward to helping Detroit and Michigan continue to grow,” said André Gudger, Chairman & CEO of Eccalon.
“Eccalon will be a powerful addition to our community, and their decision to build in Detroit demonstrates their confidence in our future. We have what defense contractors need – world-class manufacturing DNA, a diverse talent pipeline, and partners ready to develop the workforce of tomorrow through our schools and institutions,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “The 800 high-paying jobs and deep community investments they’re bringing will positively impact Detroit’s economy.”
HealthBridge Financial: The company currently has its headquarters in Grand Rapids (Kent County). With support from the MBDP, they expect to create at least 200 new jobs in Kent County and invest roughly $17 million.
“We founded HealthBridge to fundamentally change the way people pay for and afford healthcare in this country. As we expand into new markets nationwide, Michigan remains a strategic home for our growth,” said Gregory VandenBosch, Co-Founder and CEO, HealthBridge Financial, Inc. “MEDC’s support allows us to create new jobs in Kent County and strengthen the infrastructure needed to advance this mission from right here in Michigan.”
“The Right Place is excited that HealthBridge Financial has decided to expand its operations in the Grand Rapids area,” said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. “The company had appealing options in other regions across the country; however, our area’s skilled talent pool, strong work ethic, supportive business climate, and the company’s commitment to its hometown were significant factors in the decision to grow right here.”
The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA): The MMPA will create 13 jobs and add to its existing campus by expanding the facility’s processing capabilities for ultrafiltered milk commonly used in products such as high-protein yogurts and ready-to-drink protein shakes and will implement new equipment and production capabilities tailored to cultured dairy products at a facility previously owned by Leprino Foods that ceased operations earlier this year.
“The support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has been instrumental in helping us move forward with strategic investments that strengthen our cooperative and add value for our member-owners,” said Joe Diglio, President & CEO of MMPA. “By expanding our product mix with cottage cheese and growing our ultrafiltered milk production capacity, we’re not only meeting consumer demand but also supporting the region’s dairy economy for the long term.”
