LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of two business expansions and two community revitalization projects in Michigan that are expected to generate nearly $59.6 million in investments and create 185 new jobs.
The following projects got state grants under the Michigan Business Development Program:
* Auto supplier Denso Manufacturing Michigan Inc., a subsidiary of Denso International America Inc., a maker of air conditioning and engine cooling components and systems, plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Battle Creek, investing more than $53.6 million and creating 100 new jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $640,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Arkansas, Ontario and Mexico. Battle Creek has offered support to the project with a property tax abatement. For information on careers with Denso, visit http://www.densocorp-na.com/careers/working-at-denso.
* Nemo Capital Partners LLC is a privately held investment company with a portfolio of health care holdings centered on technological products and services for doctors and their technology distributors. In July 2014 the company announced plans to consolidate its Ohio and New Jersey operations to a new headquarters in Southfield, resulting in a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company now plans to transfer the remainder of its New Jersey operations to the Southfield office, adding 50 new jobs and investing $457,300. As a result, its MBDP grant will be increased by $250,000. For information on employment opportunities with Nemo, visit http://nemocp.com/careers/ or http://www.traknetpm.com/us/careers.
The following project got assistance from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program:
* Wabash & Main LLC and Wabash & Main Properties Corp. plan to renovate four partially vacant, historic buildings in downtown Milan. The project includes renovating commercial space that will retain the existing bakery and create additional office and restaurant space. The second and third floors will be renovated into 15 new apartments. The project will generate a total capital investment of nearly $5.3 million and anticipated creation of 25 full-time equivalent jobs, resulting in an $873,601 Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant. Milan has approved a 10-year property tax abatement for the project, valued at $404,000. The project will also receive federal historic tax credits and $967,200 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
The following project got assistance from the Community Development Block Grant program:
* The city of Brighton has received $76,886 in Community Development Block Grant funds for façade improvements needed for the Yogurtopia Building Façade project located in downtown Brighton. The Yogurtopia project will renovate the vacant building located at 332 W. Main St. into a full-use yogurt store with complete interior remodeling, a new façade and sitting area at the rear of the building. The project will generate a total capital investment of $220,940 and create 10 jobs, with at least six of the jobs to be held by low to moderate income persons. The City of Brighton will contribute staff time in support of the project.