L.E. Jones Co. in Menominee is expanding with the help of a state transportation economic development grant.
The company manufactures heavy-duty valve seat inserts for outfits like Volvo and Caterpillar, from a machine shop and foundry in Menominee. It recently began planning a big expansion in Menominee, including a remodeled manufacturing facility, new loading and shipping areas, and new offices.
To do so, L.E. Jones needed upgrades made to 11th Street, which wasn't up to the task of the increased heavy truck traffic the expansion would create. So the city of Menominee along with the Michigan Department of Transportation applied for grant funding, which has now been approved.
The transportation project will mean 11th Street will be resurfaced from 34th Avenue to the company's entrance. The street also will be extended 220 feet south to bring it up to standards and provide all-season access to the new shipping and loading dock area.
$206,400 will come from the state of Michigan, and $51,600 from the city of Menominee, for a total of $258,000 spent on the road improvements.
In turn, L.E. Jones will spend $12 million on the new construction, creating 20 jobs and updating equipment in the manufacturing plant.
Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation
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