Whitmer: Manufacturing projects coming to Southwest Michigan, to create 64 new jobs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two economic development projects in Southwest Michigan on Tuesday.

For the first project, TST of Portage, LLC received approval of an Act 381 Work Plan to develop a manufacturing facility with a second-level office in Portage.

The project involves partially demolishing of an approximately 34,000-square-foot structure, and the construction of a new 43,000-square-foot facility.

Tenants in the facility will include Depatie Fluid Power Company and Mico-Lam, with space for future tenants, officials said.

The project is expected to create 14 new jobs with an average wage of $30.29, while generating over $9 million in total capital investment, according to officials.

The second project involves Forming USA, LLC, a Swiss-based manufacturer of cold-rolled steel profiles. They’re establishing a sales and manufacturing facility in Schoolcraft Township to expand their U.S. customer base.

This new facility is expected to create 50 new jobs in the region with an average hourly wage, plus benefits, substantially higher than the Regional Median Wage, officials said.

Building the facility will be completed in a phased approach; construction on a 50,000-square-foot facility on the 38-acre site will begin in 2025, with additions to be built in future years.

While the space will primarily serve as a steel rolling facility, it will include office space, warehousing, and distribution. The company anticipates this expansion will result in over $15 million in capital investment.