From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 5:11 PM
Subject: What the Governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
 
Governor Announces More than 7,180 New Jobs Planned for Michigan
 
The governor today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is helping 11 companies grow in Michigan and also backing two brownfield redevelopment projects.  Combined, the 13 projects are expected to create 7,182 new jobs (2,790 direct and 4,392 indirect), retain 781 total jobs and generate more than $742 million in new investment in the state.
 
The projects include an overseas company launching its U.S. operations in Muskegon Township to research and develop rechargeable batteries; a new-to-Michigan renewable energy, water and telecommunications company planning a new headquarters in Flint; and an expansion in Plymouth Township by a company that specializes in three-dimensional, medical-image processing used to help injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
In terms of both investment and job creation, the largest project announced today is one by fortu PowerCell.  The company plans to invest $623 million in a new integrated battery-cell manufacturing plant in Muskegon Township.  The multi-phase project is expected to create 1,971 new jobs, including 726 directly by the company and an estimated additional 1,245 indirect jobs.
 
Following is a link to the full list of projects: http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--233539--,00.html                 
 
Key messages:
 
•  Michigan has the most aggressive strategy of any state to grow jobs and diversify our economy, and the strategy is working as demonstrated by these projects announced today.  From advanced batteries to homeland security and life sciences to building materials, companies across all industry sectors are choosing Michigan for their growth plans because this is a great state in which to do business.
 
•  Economic development is a team sport, and the state collaborated with local communities across Michigan to win these projects against intense national and global competition.  At the end of the day, it was the one-two punch of our competitive business climate and innovative incentive tools that helped convince these companies that Michigan was the best place for them to invest and grow.
 
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