August 19, 2008

Contact: Bridget Beckman, MEDC
(517) 335-4590 beckmanb1@michigan.org

Granholm Announces Company Expansions in Oakland County, 975 New Jobs
Kelly Services and Testek Investing $13 Million to Grow in Michigan

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced two companies—Kelly Services Inc. and Testek Inc.—will expand in Troy and Lyon Township, respectively. Combined, the projects are expected to create 975 new Michigan jobs and generate more than $13 million in new capital investment. Assistance offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helped convince the companies to choose Michigan over competing sites in other states.

“Our competitive business climate and outstanding workforce make Michigan a great location for companies looking to invest, create jobs and compete in today’s global economy,” Granholm said.  

• Kelly Services Inc.   – The second largest staffing company in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world plans to invest $7.8 to consolidate several business units into a central location in Troy.  The company is also launching a new staffing solution to allow employees to work from home. Combined, the projects are expected to create 572 new jobs at the company over the next seven years. The MEDC estimates that increased economic activity created by the projects will create an additional 243 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) approved a state tax credit valued at $4.7 million over seven years to win the company’s investment over competing sites in other states. The city of Troy has proposed a combination of services worth $20,000 to support the company’s growth.   
• Testek Inc.   – The designer and builder of custom and production test equipment for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets is planning to invest $5.2 million to relocate from Livonia to a larger facility in Lyon Township. The project is expected to create 160 new jobs, including 27 at the company. The MEDC estimates that increased economic activity create by the expansion will create an additional 133 indirect jobs. Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the MEGA board approved a state tax credit valued at $452,000 over 10 years to win the project over competing sites in other states. Lyon Township is considering a local tax abatement to support the project.

“Innovative economic development tools and solid teamwork between the state, Troy, Lyon Township and Oakland County were key in securing these expansions and new jobs in Michigan,” MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said.

The Oakland County projects are two 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.            

“We're always pleased when companies make the decision to locate or expand in Oakland County,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “We work diligently with our partners to create the proper environment for businesses to prosper here.”

In her 2008 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the importance of creating opportunity in the changing world of the 21^st 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 Corporation, 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 the MEDC’s initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.TheMEDC.org.

 

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