SUCCESS STORIES
From start-ups to family owned companies that have spanned generations, Macomb County is known for our businesses successes. Our companies are household names, with brands and products consumers trust.
These successes don’t just happen by accident. Our region is home to a rich and diverse talent pool ready to put nose to the grindstone to get the job done. In Macomb County, we celebrate success. Read about how companies from different industries and different sizes are succeeding in Macomb County. Ready to join this list?
L&L Products expands its operations in Romeo
L&L Products, an award-winning company that serves the aerospace and automotive industries, among others, will be making a $27 million, 140,000 square-foot expansion to its facility in Romeo.
The 64-year-old company is a technology driven, family owned business that creates solutions for various applications requiring static sealing, better acoustics, reduced vibration, structural reinforcement and composite components. L&L Products also serves the industrial, commercial vehicle and rail industries and has customers located around the world.
L&L opted to expand its Romeo facility instead of looking elsewhere after receiving a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant. In addition, L&L received a 50% Alternative State Essential Services exemption valued at more than $532,600, and a Public Act 198 tax abatement.
Macomb County’s Planning and Economic Development team provided assistance to L&L from start to finish, including preparation of the PA 198 abatement application, support at village council meetings, guidance throughout the process and connection to valued partners to assist with hiring and training like Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! and Macomb Community College.
The expansion will help L&L Products remain competitive and support continued growth in the automotive sector. The expansion and installation of new machinery is expected to take two years to complete.
“L&L Products has made Macomb its home since 1961,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said. “The planned expansion in Romeo will ensure that L&L remains a major economic driver in the north end of the county. They have been a model citizen partner helping support our community in so many ways. We want to thank the entire team at L&L, and look forward to continuing our partnerships.”
“The timing for this news couldn’t be better for the village of Romeo,” added Village of Romeo President Meagan Poznanski. “L&L Products’ decision to expand its business here not only provides employment opportunities for our community, but maintains its business’ contribution to the growth and stability of Romeo’s industrial corridor. On behalf of the village, I would like to thank L&L for their continued representation that Romeo is a great place for businesses to develop and prosper.”
In addition to previous honors for its award-winning products, in 2022 L&L Products was named winner of the Detroit Free Press Michigan Top Workplaces Award. It also joined BASF, and Flex-N-Gate to win the Society of Plastics Engineers Automotive Innovation Award for their composite seatback design on the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
L&L Products also has office and/or production facilities in South Carolina, Brazil and Mexico, as well as China, Australia, India, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia.
Is your business looking to expand or move into Macomb County? Call our Economic Development team at 586-469-5285.
Mayco expands its operations in Macomb County
Mayco International, a Tier 1 auto interior supplier, is expanding its operations in Macomb County by opening a new facility in Shelby Township.
Mayco, with its U.S. headquarters based in Sterling Heights, signed a 12-year lease agreement in Shelby Township this spring to meet the demands of one of its largest customers. The $91 million expansion is expected to create 300-400 jobs over the next three years. Mayco began moving into the building in June 2022 and expects to begin full production by February 2023.
With the help of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), along with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Mayco spent much of 2022 taking advantage of state and local incentives to assist with the expansion.
In September, MCPED worked with Mayco and Shelby Township to apply for an industrial facility tax abatement, which was approved in October. MCPED is continuing to coordinate meetings and stay connected to make sure all of Mayco’s needs will be met by its full production deadline, including their workforce needs.
If your company is looking to expand into Macomb County, call our Economic Development team at 586-469-5285.
Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber announces expansion plans into Shelby Township
Ohio-based thermal and acoustical solutions provider Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber has announced its expansion plans into Macomb County, which will include a $12.1 million investment and the creation of 75 new jobs.
“This attraction project is another win for our region and for the entire state,” Macomb County Planning and Economic (MCPED) Director Vicky Rowinski said. “It will create jobs and add to our already dynamic automotive supplier network. I know that our skilled and talented workforce played a role in this company's decision to locate in Macomb County, and I'm thrilled to see new investment in our community.”
Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber is a Tier 1 and 2 supplier of exterior acoustic and thermal products, serving major light vehicle and heavy truck manufacturers across the globe. Prior to this expansion, the company did not have a presence in Michigan.
The project is supported by a $375,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber chose Michigan for the project over competing sites Ohio and Canada because of its proximity to potential future contracts.
The company is acquiring Shelby Township-based G&G Industries and its assets, including the facility G&G is operating within. That includes the retention of 62 jobs. In addition, Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber is planning an expansion at the existing facility, where it will also produce fiberglass and exterior acoustic components to meet increasing demand.
The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) was brought in to assist in making sure Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber had access to all of the resources available for a successful transition. MCPED also helped Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber with its tax abatement application. And the company will also be acquiring and training talent through Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! and Macomb Community College.
The company is determining the final size of its expansion and plans to break ground in 2023.
If your company is looking to expand into Macomb County, call our Economic Development team at 586-469-5285.
Niagara Bottling breaks ground in Shelby Township
An all-hands-on-deck approach by Macomb County and its regional partners helped land a new, $120 million project in Shelby Township that will bring with it 60 highly skilled full-time jobs.
After an extensive search process, Niagara Bottling, based in Diamond Bar, Calif., chose Shelby Township to build a new facility and expand its operations into the Midwest. The 500,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art bottled water facility is being built on 23 Mile Road, west of Hayes.
The Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department found out through the Detroit Regional Partnership in spring 2021 that the company was searching for an expansion site and offered six sites through its prime properties database.
While a site was considered, Macomb worked with the Michigan Economic Development Center (MEDC), to apply for an incentive known as the business development program. The program incentivizes companies who are looking at sites outside of the state to invest in Michigan. Niagara was offered an incentive package worth up to $785,866 to invest in Michigan.
In addition, workforce development partner Michigan Works offered an incentives package to assist in recruiting new staff. Moreover, Macomb Community College provided incentives that could assist Niagara Bottling with training its new staff.
Niagara Bottling broke ground in July 2022 and is expected to open in February 2023.
If your company is looking to expand into Macomb County, call our Economic Development team at 586-469-5285.
Magna expands into Macomb County
Magna, a mobility technology company and automotive supplier with its U.S. headquarters in Michigan, is investing $96.1 million in a Shelby Township project that will create 159 jobs.
Magna has been awarded a new powertrain business from an existing customer to manufacture internal components for electric vehicles. The company plans to lease an existing facility in the township. Magna chose the Shelby Township site over competing sites and will be supported by a $1.3 million Michigan Business Development Program grant.
The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a five-year, 50% Alternative State Essential Services exemption valued at $369,837 in support of the Macomb County project.
Macomb County’s Economic Development team provided assistance to the MEDC throughout the process, including connecting Magna with employee hiring and training assistance via trusted partners MI Works! and Macomb Community College.
Is your business looking to expand or move into Macomb County? Call our Economic Development team at 586-469-5285.
Eclipse Mold gains apprenticeship program
Thanks in part to a meeting last October with the Macomb County Business Development team, Eclipse Mold in Clinton and Chesterfield townships now has a state-approved apprenticeship program.
Preliminary discussions took place at the annual Manufacturing Day in which Eclipse Mold was one of the many hosts across Macomb County.
A 44-year-old company, Eclipse Mold is a provider of quality-assured, self-engineered mold-making and injection molding services.
The company’s main concern in 2021 was its urgent need for toolmakers, since many of their current employees would be retiring in the next couple of years.
Macomb’s BD team and a Michigan Works! representative met with Eclipse Mold in November last year and then again in December with a Michigan Works! apprenticeship specialist and Macomb Community College to discuss the process of getting a toolmaker apprenticeship approved and in place.
Over several months, Macomb’s BD team, Michigan Works!, Macomb Community College and Eclipse Mold kept in contact to answer any questions the company might have and to ensure the process to certification was moving smoothly.
Michigan Works! played a key role in providing Eclipse Mold with a roadmap to the program and a blueprint for getting it started.
In mid-May, Eclipse Mold’s apprenticeship program became certified by the state. The company has already hired one apprentice and is looking to bring on three more.
If your company is interested in developing an apprenticeship program, call our Business Development team at 586-469-5285.
Business development team helps secure tax abatement in Chesterfield Township
With the help of the MCPED Senior Business Developer Curt Chowanic, National Research Company (NRC) was able to expand its operation in Chesterfield Township.
NRC, a recycling, waste materials recovery business located in the electric, gas and sanitary services sector, was able to obtain an eight-year tax abatement, saving the company about $212,000 over the life of the term.
Chowanic was able to secure an Industrial Development District (IDD) with Chesterfield Township, on Gratiot just south of 26 Mile Road. Once the IDD was established, Chowanic completed the tax abatement application process for NRC, which was approved by the township board.
The proposed 26,250-square-foot addition will expand NRC’s metal recovery and strategic minerals business and allow for the production of electric vehicle and battery ready materials. The expansion will serve as a pilot plant and testing center for new production and future expansions, allowing the company to remain competitive in the industry.
The expansion will also create 10-15 new jobs for NRC, and real and personal property investment is estimated at $2.25 million.
Businesses looking to expand or open new locations in Macomb County can always turn to MCPED and its business development team early in the process to handle the abatement process, ensuring maximum tax savings at no cost to them.
Contact Chowanic and the rest of the business development team at 586-469-5100.
When Dick Huvaere’s Richmond Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram wanted to make a complete overhaul of its dealership in spring 2021, it turned to Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) for help. The $14 million renovation and expansion would include a new showroom floor, a state-of-the-art service department, parts department and car wash as well as create 30 new jobs. The project also included the installation of Level II and Level III fast chargers on site for PHEV/Electric vehicle owners.
On behalf of Huvaere, MCPED successfully reached an agreement with the Richmond City Council to establish a commercial rehabilitation district on the site. After the district was established, the MCPED team filled out the application (P.A. 210 Commercial Rehabilitation Act) asking for a commercial rehabilitation tax abatement and prepared all of the paperwork needed to accompany the application. The city awarded Huvaere a five-year tax abatement. Construction at the site, as well as 551,000 square feet of asphalt paving, plantings and decorative fencing, began in April 2021. Completion is expected in October 2022.
The former ConCorde Inn on Gratiot in Clinton Township has been converted into a 157-unit premier senior living community called Parkdale Senior Living with the help of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. PACE is a financing tool that can be secured with the help of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development that enables a cash flow-positive investment in comprehensive energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy projects. By financing such projects through PACE, businesses can eliminate the need for upfront capital and spread the costs over up to 25 years, so that the savings generated from the project are greater than the annual PACE loan repayment – generating immediate positive cash flow. PACE financing allows a property owner to voluntarily enter into a special assessment agreement, which can be repaid over a period up to 25 years.
The MCPED role in the PACE project is similar to that of an abatement. PACE projects are vetted to make sure they qualify, and the environmental impact of the proposed project, in addition to investment and job creation is reviewed. MCPED assists in the preparation and review of the application and works with business and county officials to ensure all documents and a special assessment agreement are in place and are approved so that the business realizes the benefit of the incentive. PACE Equity’s $2.4 million loan went to four energy-conservation measures, including building envelope, LED lighting, HVAC, and low-flow water fixtures.
The $13.8-million project generated a savings to investment ratio of 1.06, and it is expected to save more than 11 million kilowatts of electricity and 6,006 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to eliminating 723 homes’ energy use for one year. Macomb County’s elected leaders created a countywide PACE district in October 2013 by joining the statewide Lean & Green Michigan PACE program. The Parkdale is the first PACE project at a senior living facility in Michigan and marks the third PACE project in Macomb County.
Youngblood Winery, a family owned winery in Ray Township, is the recipient of a $55,000 expansion grant from the state of Michigan, obtained with the help of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED).
Dave and Jess Youngblood applied for the grant through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which partners with Macomb County to visit the vast agriculture and food manufacturing businesses. The Youngbloods were approved for the grant to expand their production facility. The expansion will allow them to process more grapes, since the output in grape yield is much higher now that their plants are maturing into their productive years. The new facility will be part production, part private event space for things like graduation parties and weddings.
In 2016, the Youngbloods decided to turn their family owned and operated farm (corn, soybean, and Christmas trees), which started in 1945 and spanned across five generations, into the first commercial vineyard in southeast Michigan. Various team members from Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) helped facilitate meetings and materials necessary to gain approvals from Ray Township, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Liquor Control Commission.
In 2019, Youngblood Vineyards started bottling and selling their 100% estate-grown grape-based wine (not from kits), which is the only one in the state that carries the Pure Michigan trademark label (100% of the product is locally sourced)
When working with our Business Development team, your business will be connected with service providers, grants, and programs that can help your business grow. The Youngblood’s are growing their businesses by using the resources available to all food manufacturing businesses in Macomb County. If your business can benefit from grant funding, networking events, workforce needs and training, reach out to one of the only counties in Michigan to have a designated food and agriculture specialist on its Business Development team.
Your food and agriculture resource at MCPED is Jack Johns. He can be reached at 586-469-6293 or jack.johns@macombgov.org. Visit business.macombgov.org/Business-Home for additional information about the department.
To learn more about the MDARD grant that the Youngblood’s applied for, visit Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.
Flex N Gate Shelby, established in 1956 and headquartered in Urbana, IL, is a supplier of bumpers, exterior trim, lighting, aluminum and steel modular stamped body in white and chassis assemblies, and other OEM automotive products. Flex N Gate has a new contract to supply bumpers for truck products which will consolidate assembly and sequencing under one roof for front and rear bumpers. The company plans to lease space in a build-to-suit facility in Shelby Township, investing $11 million and creating 242 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Illinois. The city is offering support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Flex N gate should visit: http://jobs.flex-n-gate.com/jobs.
Approved tax abatements will enable GM to earn a return more quickly on its upgrade of the 710-acre campus where the bulk of its engineering, advanced technology and safety research is focused. The U.S. Department of the Interior last year certified the tech center as a National Historic Landmark.
The massive project is the first widespread upgrade of facilities at the 326-acre complex, designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen which opened in 1956. It includes:
- Construction of new design studios and a new parking deck for design employees.
- Rebuilding and renovating some existing research and development facilities.
- A new multi-story information technology building adjacent to the current Michigan IT Innovation Center and a new parking deck.
- New testing areas at the Advanced Energy Center.
- Extensive office upgrades.
KUKA Systems North America will invested more than $10 million in its Clinton Township operations to meet increased demand for products. The expansion will created more than 100 new jobs.
KUKA Systems is a global supplier of assembly and welding systems, as well as other related machinery, for the automotive, aerospace, alternative energy and manufacturing industries. Its parent company, KUKA Group was founded in Germany in 1898. Today the company has more than 3,500 employees in 15 countries worldwide.
“Macomb County has proven to be an efficient place for KUKA Aerospace to grow,” said Robert Reno, Group Vice President for KUKA Systems. “As a hub for tooling and technology innovation, the workforce here is experienced and talented. The support of local government makes Macomb County a great place to work and grow a business.”
Staff from the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development worked with company officials to help them achieve their goals for growth. Together, they identified possible assistance and incentive programs. As a result, the Michigan Business Development Program awarded a $900,000 performance-based grant to the company. The Charter Township of Clinton offered a property tax abatement. The Macomb-St. Clair ton Township Workforce Development Board will help to find and screen candidates for the new jobs to be created.
Yanfeng, which established its first location in Harrison Township in 2010, decided to expand and promised to invest $56.6 million to renovate a previously vacant building on Executive Drive. The expansion is expected to create 519 jobs over the next years. Yanfeng currently employs about 130 workers, county planning officials said.
“This expansion will be a significant investment to our headquarters here in Harrison Township,” said David Wang, company president. “This is going to dramatically improve the appearance and functionality of our operations.”
Yanfeng USA has been operational in the U.S. market since 2010, with two facilities in the state of Michigan, Harrison Township and Warren. These facilities currently support Chrysler and GM programs.YF USA’s parent company, Yanfeng Visteon, employs more than 30,000 associates and operates more than 100 facilities around the world, including in China, USA, Germany and India. Yanfeng Visteon is a leading automotive component supplier, founded in 1994 as a joint-venture between Ford and Shanghai Automotive Industrial Company. The company’s US sales are approximately $7.2 billion USD in 2012. Its product solution categories range across interiors, seating, electronics, exteriors, and safety systems.
National Coney Island opened its first store at the Macomb Mall in 1965. Today, its delicious dogs, Hani’s™ and gyros are served up at some 20 restaurants across the region. Long headquartered in Roseville, the company recently announced plans to make room for its chili production operations on their grounds at Groesbeck and Martin.
Jason Friedmann, community and economic development director for the city, confirms that the company will invest an estimated $3 million to expand space and bring in machinery. The move will bring 18 current employees from their existing food processing plant in Detroit.
Jack Johns, senior economic development specialist with the department, worked with company officials to help them access programs for making the investment work. Primarily, the department supported the company in their quest to have an Industrial Development District established. This made it possible for a Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption to be granted by the state of Michigan. This designation means that the company will save 50 percent of the taxes on the new investment.
Johns also referred the company to other resources to help with their expansion plans including small business financing, process flow, networking opportunities and procurement events.
Great Fresh Foods is the brand-new sister company of the well-established Garden Fresh Gourmet—the salsa sensation out of Ferndale that has taken the salsa industry by storm. In a few short years, Garden Fresh Gourmet has grown from its humble beginnings to become the largest fresh salsa company in North America. It carries several gourmet lines including hummus, tortilla chips, guacamole, dips and salad dressings.
Co-founders Jack and Annette Aronson have expanded into new territory with their line of gourmet stuffed burgers and meatballs. Having already mastered a state-of-the-art, high-pressure process that enables them to provide fresh products that are preservative-free, they have applied the process to their new company’s products as well. The result is a delicious, never-frozen entrée that is ready to eat after one minute in the microwave.
In April of 2014, Great Fresh Foods acquired a 12,000-square-foot facility in Clinton Township. They employ a staff of 15 and are currently accepting applications. After obtaining final approval from the United States Department of Agriculture, Great Fresh Foods is scheduled to have products on the shelves as soon as next week.
Choosing to locate Great Fresh Foods within Macomb County put the up-and-coming company on the Department of Planning and Economic Development’s (MCPED) radar. Senior Economic Development Specialists Camille Silda and Jack Johns reached out to the company to offer assistance. They were able to refer valuable resources to the business and put them in touch with development partners Michigan Works and Macomb Community College. MCPED also worked as a liaison between Great Fresh Foods and Consumers Energy to get the Clinton Township facility up and running. Preparing an Industrial Facilities Exemption tax abatement was another service MCPED provided.