Governor Granholm Visits Gentex in Zeeland
Gentex Corporation in Zeeland produces state-of-the-art electronics for the global automotive industry, namely providing automatically-dimming mirrors to automakers, as well as branching out into the aerospace industry with their innovative products. Gentex is a great example of a Michigan company that has diversified its product line to compete in the global economy, and has enjoyed major success in doing so – last year, they added 300 jobs, and they completed a major expansion in 2006. The company now has five manufacturing plants based in Zeeland and over 2600 employees worldwide, and made the Forbes list of America’s 200 Best Small Companies in 2007.
Governor Granholm stopped by the company’s headquarters yesterday to thank the employees and CEO Fred Bauer for their efforts. WZZM TV13 provides the video-
The Grand Rapids Press has a few more details-
Fred Bauer and his high-tech company Gentex Corp. are the poster child for what Gov. Jennifer Granholm sees as the potential of the Michigan economy.
The CEO is featured in the state’s economic development campaign “The Upper Hand” — which included an ad in Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine last year and upcoming radio spots.
The governor explained what makes Gentex so successful in the very competitive automotive market.
“You are a great example of the best Michigan has to offer,” Granholm told an auditorium of more than 75 Gentex employees.
“They continually develop new products. Their products are very cutting edge, and they also diversify their customer base,” she said.
“A few years ago, they were largely selling to the Detroit Three automakers and, now, they are selling to automakers across the world.”
About 20 percent of Gentex’s 2,800 employees are in technology positions.
The governor also stopped in Holland to survey the damage from the latest round of thunderstorms that hit the area, and she also talked with WWMT Newschannel 3 about the upcoming presidential election.
