What’s happening: The Illinois-headquartered
AAR Manufacturing, Inc. has selected its Cadillac facility for a $14 million expansion, creating 41 jobs in northern Michigan. The company currently employs 294 Michigan residents.
Who they are: Founded in 1982, AAR Manufacturing has locations throughout the world, with more than a dozen in the U.S. and Canada and several more in Europe, Asia, and beyond. The company has strong ties to the defense industry, and the Cadillac facility designs and produces customized cargo pallet systems for the U.S. Air Force, facilitating the air transport of critical supplies.
What’s coming: AAR plans to implement a new production line in Cadillac, where they’ll manufacture its Friction Stir Weld Pallet. Facility renovations and improvements, new machinery and equipment, and 41 new jobs will result.
Why Michigan: Cadillac beat out a competing site in Ohio due to the company’s strong ties to the community, local businesses, and universities here, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) release attests. The company is also receiving a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program-performance based grant from the MEDC and a $219,317 grant from Michigan Works! in support of the project.
What they’re saying: “Today’s investments underscore Team Michigan’s commitment to delivering long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” says MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. The AAR announcement was packaged with the news of MEDC support for developments in Southfield and Marquette. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local partners for their continued support of our efforts. These projects reflect our commitment to seizing opportunities that make Michigan an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures. We will continue working to win projects, invest in places and support our people as we encourage businesses of all sizes to make it in Michigan.”
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