Pump maker plans Battle Creek expansion

Clyde Union Inc., the world’s seventh largest provider of large industrial pumps in the energy market plans to invest $17.1 million to expand operations in Battle Creek.

Company officials told the state the company could grow by 110 percent within five years given the right tax incentives.

The state of Michigan is giving the company $1.2 million in tax credits to make that happen. The governor’s office says Texas, Louisiana and Ontario had made overtures to Clyde Union.

The investment is expected to create 190 Clyde Union jobs. Those workers would be paid an average weekly wage of just over $1,000. The state also expects 230 spin off jobs created through increased economic activity.

The expansion will enable the company, which recently celebrated its 125-year anniversary in Battle Creek, to increase production, testing, pump systems packaging and expanded pump service capabilities to its global customer base.

Clyde Union was one of 14 projects to receive business incentives at the Michigan Economic Growth Authority’s July 20 board meeting. “The depth and scope of the projects announced today underscore the fact that Michigan is a prime business location,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm says.

Clyde Union employs 225 full-time staff at 4600 W. Dickman Road in the Fort Custer Industrial Park.  

The City of Battle Creek also is considering economic incentives for the pump maker.

The Battle Creek facility specializes in the design and manufacture of pumps, parts, services and pump packages for drilling oil and the nuclear power industry.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Tiffany Brown, Governor’s Office