In a little over four decades, JR Automation has grown from a Holland pole barn to an international business with 28 locations around the world.
The successful manufacturer has announced plans to expand operations in Holland and invest more than $1 million locally to create 28 new jobs in the area over the next two years.
This month, the subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. moved into a 147,000 square foot former Prince Tech Center, at 701 Waverly Road. The move will consolidate resources under a single roof, allowing further capacity for large-scale projects, the company said.
“West Michigan and the talented people who choose to work at JR Automation are huge contributors to our continued success and expansion in the area. We are grateful to be part of this vibrant business community and appreciate the continued support from Lakeshore Advantage and the City of Holland as our roots here grow deeper,” says CEO Craig Ulrich. “West Michigan is a great place to live and work and we are excited to bring new job opportunities for those just joining the workforce and for experienced professionals.”
He added that Lakeshore Advantage played a key role in supporting JR Automation through the decision-making process by catalyzing organizations and available resources to help the company grow here.
‘Local success story’
With this expansion, JR Automation now has 28 facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
"JR Automation is a true example of a local success story. This company started in a pole barn and now it has developed into one of the region’s major employers,” says Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “The systems developed by the JR Automation team are sure to equip manufacturers throughout the world with efficiency and growth."
The company which began in 1980 now creates automated manufacturing and technology solutions that solve customers’ key operational and productivity challenges. In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd. as part of a strategic effort towards offering a seamless connection between the physical and cyber space for industrial manufacturers and distributers worldwide.
With this partnership, JR Automation provides customers a unique, single-source solution for complete integration of their physical assets and data information, offering greater speed, flexibility, and efficiencies towards achieving their Industry 4.0 visions.
JR Automation employs over 2,000 people at 28 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The City of Holland’s support, including offering a short-term tax abatement, was an important factor that led to the decision to grow in the area.
“We are proud to work with corporate partners like JR Automation. This is a key investment and expansion in a location and building that has a rich history of success and innovation in the city and the world and will help provide a bright future for employees in the City of Holland,” says Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks.
There's more information about careers at JR Automation at
jrautomation.com/careers.
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