Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Tuesday that eight company expansions and four community redevelopment projects will create more than 2,900 new jobs, and generate over $162 million in new investment in Michigan. This announcement marks the first time that the state will use incentives from the Michigan Advanced Battery Credits (MABC) initiative, a unique program that will help our auto manufacturers develop the next generation of electric vehicles.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority today approved MABC incentives to Ford and GM for pack engineering, integration and assembly, vehicle engineering and advanced battery technologies. The law provides up to $335 million in refundable tax credits to encourage companies to develop and manufacture advanced batteries and commercialize advanced battery technologies in Michigan. The initiative – passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed by Granholm into law last month – is the first of its kind in the United States.

“Michigan is well positioned to become the advanced battery capital of the world,” Granholm said. “We are moving at lightning speed to ensure that the next generation of vehicles and advanced battery systems are researched, designed and manufactured here.”

Here are the other projects that were announced – for more information on the MEGA credits issued and some of the competing sites on these projects, see the full release at the MEDC.

McLaren Performance Technologies – The automotive engineering firm plans to invest $8.9 million to expand operations in Livonia and support its new power-transfer unit business to capitalize on fuel efficiency improvements in the automotive industry. The project is expected to create 74 new jobs, including 34 directly by the company.

Patrick Energy Services – The provider of engineering, program and construction management services for high-voltage electric infrastructure and smart grid technologies plans to invest $2.2 million to expand operations in Novi. The project is expected to create 185 new jobs, including 90 directly by the company.

RIIS LLC – The software and applications development firm plans to expand its headquarters in Oakland County at a site to be determined by the company. The project is expected to generate $946,000 in new investment and create 95 new jobs, including 40 directly by the company.

Global Tooling Systems – The leading supplier of tooling systems and services for the commercial and military aerospace industries plans to invest $17.2 million to relocate operations to Macomb Township. The project is expected to create 400 new jobs, including 184 directly by the company.

K&S Wire Products LLC – The Hudson-based venture, which will focus on manufacturing wire products and eventually plastic shopping carts, plans to invest $1.2 million to purchase shopping cart manufacturing equipment. The project is expected to create 356 new Michigan jobs, including 157 directly by the company.

Michigan Brewing Company – The Webberville-based brewer of craft beers is competing to secure a new addition to its product line: a craft beer for musician Kid Rock. The company plans to invest $7 million in the project, which is expected to create 394 new Michigan jobs, including 161 directly by the company.

Altus Brands LLC – The veteran-owned small business specializing in manufacturing products for hunters, shooters and sportsmen, including Pro-Ears, a leader in hearing-protection for shooters; Benchmaster, a leader in shooting rests; and Crossfire slings for guns and bows, will invest $710,000 to relocate and expand of existing operations in Garfield Charter Township. The project is expected to create 57 new jobs, including 25 directly by the company.

General Motors Corporation – Pending final approval by the company, GM is considering a facility in Southeast Michigan to produce battery modules and to provide lithium ion batteries for the Chevrolet Volt. The project would involve an investment of approximately $43 million and is expected to create 571 new Michigan jobs, including 140 directly by the company.

Grand Traverse County – State and local tax capture valued at $1.8 million will support a new, five-story, mixed-use commercial/retail/residential building in Traverse City with private parking in the alley-level basement. The building will replace the former Firestone property and the former Annie’s properties. The project is expected to generate up to $20 million in investment and create up to 60 new jobs.

City of Hazel Park – State and local tax capture valued at $1 million will support the redevelopment of 7.4 acres of vacant land across five parcels situated along the 8 Mile corridor. The project will include the construction of a Sav-A-Lot grocery store. The project is expected to generate $11.9 million in new investment and create approximately 250 jobs.

City of Sterling Heights – State and local tax capture valued at more than $1.4 million will support a modern, state-of-the-art business development and technology center for BAE Systems Land and Armaments. The project will initially consist of 175,000 on approximately 81 acres. The project is expected to generate $44 million in new investment and will create 460 new jobs. BAE was approved for a MEGA tax credit in April 2008.

City of Bay City – State and local tax capture valued at $2 million will support the redevelopment of 11.32 acres of former residential and commercial property that has been vacant since 1979.

Since January 2005, the Governor and the MEDC have announced the creation or retention of more than 310,500 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC. To learn more, visit http://www.TheMEDC.org.

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