Three automotive suppliers announced major expansions in Michigan that will create at least 243 jobs and generate more than $64.8 million in capital investment, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said.
U.S. Farathane, a Tier 1 automotive supplier founded in Michigan, plans to construct a 230,000 square-foot facility in Port Huron in St. Clair County. The project will create 115 jobs with starting wages of $21.58 per hour plus benefits. The company considered locations in Mexico, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas before selecting Port Huron. The expansion is supported by a $747,500 Michigan Business Development Program grant and will total $21,998,000 in capital investment.
Wausau Supply Co., a national leader in building supplies manufacturing and distribution founded in 1947 and headquartered in Wisconsin, plans to construct a 260,000 square-foot door manufacturing facility in West Branch in Ogemaw County. The expansion will create 92 new jobs with starting wages of $22.00 per hour plus benefits, exceeding the region's median wage of $21.75. Wausau Supply evaluated locations in Canada and at its Wisconsin headquarters. The project is supported by a $575,000 grant and will total $41 million in capital investment.
Cooper Standard, a global automotive supplier headquartered in Northville, plans to construct a 15,500 square-foot facility in Comins Township in Oscoda County to consolidate multiple lines of business and complete more manufacturing in Michigan instead of outsourcing. The project will create 36 jobs with wages above the region's median wage of $20.20 per hour. The facility will include installation of a new brazing oven, an energy-efficient industrial heating system. The project is supported by a $200,000 grant and will total over $1.9 million in capital investment. Cooper Standard employs more than 22,000 people worldwide, with more than 1,400 in Michigan.
Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said the projects reflect the state's "leadership in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry."