The Lady remains on course for jobs

The "No Worker Left Behind" program begun by Michigan´s Governor Jennifer M. Granholm´s administration continues to recolor the state´s rust hue image to lush green landscapes. Since its inception in 2007, over a 100,000 has enrolled and recently has become a permanent workforce policy to diversify the Wolverine´s economy by providing workers with new skills for job opportunities. And as of November 17, it has been anticipated that a total of 12 other projects will create 2,245 new direct and indirect jobs, retain 11,254 jobs, and produce over $791 million in new revenues in the state. The locations and companies approved by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board were:

Dundee: Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chrysler Group LLC, to invest $179 million to launch a new fully integrated robotized engine manufacturing plant for their line of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Redford Township: SEIU Member Action Service Center, a corporate subsidiary of Service Employees International Union plans, to invest $3 million by developing a shared organization for administrative services for the SEIU and other labor locals.

Walker: Consolidated Resource Imaging LLC, a high-tech electronic and aerospace firm that serves both the government and private-sector, to invest $3 million for its facility expansion.

Farmington Hills: Akebono Corporation, a brake manufacturer, to invest $28 million to add laboratory space and additional testing equipment at its Engineering Center.

Battle Creek: Toda America Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of iron oxide and mixed metal oxide particles, to invest $70.1 million to produce materials for lithium ion-batteries.

Roscommon, Southfield, Taylor: Lear Corporation is the fourth largest U.S.-based automotive supplier, to invest $14 million in its seating systems division and electrical and electronics divisions.

Grand Rapids: Steelcase Inc., a manufacturer of office equipment, to invest $18.2 million to expand its global headquarters.

Saginaw: Nexteer Automotive (Steering Solutions Services Corporation) is the only global Tier One automotive supplier focused on advanced steering and driveline systems technology, to invest $413 million in pursuit of new diverse business opportunities.

City of Detroit: NSO Bell Housing is a nonprofit human service agency, to invest $50 million in an innovative mixed-use renovation of the historic Bell Building located on Oakman Blvd.

City of Battle Creek: Covance Laboratories is a provider of a wide range of integrated product development services in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical-device industries, to invest $15 million in the renovation of the former SEMCO Gas building.

Ann Arbor: A123 Systems Inc. is a manufacturer of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries approved for an Anchor Jobs incentive. They were approved a tax credit on their $600 million project to develop initial coating, cell manufacturing, and pack assembly.

Midland: Dow Kokam MI LLC is a manufacturer of battery cells for electric and hybrid vehicles. They were approved for an Anchor Jobs incentive on a $665 million joint venture to construct and operate a large-scale battery and cell manufacturing facility.

"The scope of these company expansions and redevelopment projects demonstrates that Michigan has the competitive business climate, infrastructure and talented workforce that companies are looking for as they compete in the global marketplace," Granholm said. "Our aggressive strategy to grow and diversify Michigan's economy continues to produce results for Michigan workers," she added.

For more in-depth information, see www.TheMEDC.org. "In the face of tough national and international competition, the job-creating projects announced today are the direct result of collaboration with our regional economic development partners as well as our innovative economic development incentives," MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said.