 August 19, 2008
Contact: Bridget Beckman, MEDC
Granholm Announces Precision Aerospace Corp. Expanding in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, 349 New Jobs Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced Grand Rapids-based Precision Aerospace Corp. (PAC) is launching a $10.1 million expansion project at its operations in Grand Rapids and Wyoming. The project is expected to create 190 new jobs at the company and an additional 159 spin-off jobs over the next 10 years. Assistance provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped PAC secure new a contract from its largest customer against competing bids from other companies. “This expansion demonstrates we have the outstanding workforce and business climate needed for advanced manufacturers like PAC to produce the next generation of homeland security and defense applications and grow good-paying jobs in Michigan,” Granholm said. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board today approved a state tax credit valued at $2.5 million over 10 years to secure the company’s investment. To support the expansion, the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming have proposed 12-year abatements to support the project. “A new cache of economic development tools and other efforts underscore the steps we’re taking to diversify our economy and help Michigan companies compete in today’s global economy,” MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said. “We appreciate the support and cooperation of Grand Rapids, Wyoming and The Right Place Inc. in helping to make a strong business case to win this project and the new jobs that will be created as a result.” An economic analysis conducted by the MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the expansion will generate an additional 559 indirect Michigan jobs, in addition to the 460 created directly by the company. The project is expected to generate more than $923 million in personal income for Michigan workers over the life of the tax credit. The PAC expansion is one of 20 economic development projects the Governor announced today. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 9,495 Michigan jobs. “Precision Aerospace Corp. is proud to expand its Grand Rapids and Wyoming operations and keep these exciting aerospace and defense jobs in Michigan,” PAC President William Hoyer said. “The incentives offered by the MEDC, the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming and the support offered by The Right Place Inc. have gone far to help us remain competitive with the companies from other states that were vying for these contracts. We’re very optimistic about the opportunities this business will afford PAC and the community at large.” Founded in 1956 as Precision Sheetmetal & Machine Company, PAC has grown to become a key supplier to its customers in the aerospace/defense industry. The company performs machining, stamping, welding, assembly, testing, and extensive layout/inspection of medium to high complexity mechanical aircraft components and assemblies. The company serves over two dozen aircraft customers and approximately ten non-aerospace customers. More information is available at http://www.precision-aerospace.com/. “Retaining and expanding West Michigan businesses continues to be one of our strategic priorities,” said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place. “Manufacturing in West Michigan remains strong, and Precision Aerospace’s expansion demonstrated proof of this. The collaborative efforts of The Right Place, the MEDC and the cities of Wyoming and Grand Rapids made this project a success.” In her 2008 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of creating opportunity in the changing world of the 21st century. Since January 2005, the Governor and the MEDC have announced the creation or retention of more than 257,000 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC. The Michigan Economic Development Corp., a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.TheMEDC.org.
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