Two business expansion projects are expected to create 68 new jobs and generate a total private investment of $7.7 million in the cities of Cadillac and Fenton have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
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American Recreational Products is a subsidiary of Northern Composites, a manufacturer of composites and plastics for John Deere, Navistar, Crest Marine, Avalon Pontoons and more. The company has three locations in Michigan and employs more than 150 residents.
American Recreational Products’ facility in Owosso has reached its capacity with no options to expand. The company has identified an existing facility in the city of Fenton that can accommodate its existing business as well as a new fiberglass product line.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4 million and create 59 jobs, supported by a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Minnesota and Missouri.
The project will bring good manufacturing jobs to the area and will further cement the company’s presence in Michigan. The company employs many veterans and uses local schools to reach talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees.
Rexair, founded in 1936, is a leading direct seller and manufacturer of premium vacuum cleaning systems for residential customers. The company’s principal product, the Rainbow vacuum cleaner, is sold in countries around the globe through a network of third-party distributors.
Rexair is headquartered in Troy and currently employs 228 people in Michigan.
Due to supply chain overseas, the company is bringing manufacturing of certain products back home to Michigan. Rexair plans to expand at its facility in the city of Cadillac, where it will install nine new injection molding machines.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3.35 million and create nine jobs, supported by a $48,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Kentucky.
The project will bring nine new jobs and retain eight jobs by onshoring a production line from China. In addition, the project will establish the company’s presence and future investment in Michigan. Rexair is focused on environmentally responsible manufacturing, and the new machines will decrease their power consumption by as much as 60 percent. ■