ZEELAND, MI (WHTC AM/FM) – Gentex, a manufacturer of high-tech electronics for the auto, aerospace, and fire safety industries, is investing $300 million to expand in Zeeland with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The expansion is expected to create 500 jobs.
The announcement from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation says Gentex plans to construct a new high-tech manufacturing facility and distribution center in Zeeland Charter Township, and also expand its existing manufacturing facility in the City of Zeeland.
The project will provide the company with increased capacity for glass processing, the manufacture of auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, displays and electronics for automotive and aerospace applications, and the development of new technologies for the fire protection industry. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Alabama, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Gentex Corporation, headquartered in Zeeland, is a high-tech supplier for the global automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries. Gentex ships its products to automakers worldwide and currently employees over 5,000 Michigan residents.
“We’re excited to announce that after two years of analyzing our manufacturing and R&D footprint, we’ve reached an agreement with the State of Michigan that supports our long-standing commitment to the state and provides the incentives necessary to facilitate our future growth initiatives in Michigan,” said President and CEO Gentex Corporation Steve Downing.
The Michigan Strategic Fund Tuesday approved a $5.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, a $1.89 million Jobs Ready Michigan grant, and 15-year, 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $3.8 million for Gentex.
“Congratulations to the entire Gentex team on your continued success here in Michigan. We appreciate your vote of confidence in West Michigan’s talented workforce and the Zeeland community as you grow your company,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of critical tools that make projects like this possible. We’re pleased to work with local partners like Lakeshore Advantage, the city of Zeeland, and Zeeland Charter Township to ensure Gentex remains a key partner in our work to grow this critical high tech, advanced industry in West Michigan.”
“Gentex is our region’s largest employer and is an excellent example of a future-focused company expanding and providing high-skilled jobs in West Michigan,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “We are honored to support the growth of this local turned global company and we celebrate their continued success.”
Both Zeeland Charter Township and the city of Zeeland anticipate approval of property tax abatements in support of the project, and MEDC also authorized a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the local abatement. Individuals interested in careers with Gentex should visit https://www.gentex.com/careers/search-jobs/.
“The growth occurring at Gentex and their continued investment in Zeeland Township and the City of Zeeland is exciting,” said Zeeland Charter Township Supervisor Tom Oonk. “Zeeland Charter Township is pleased to support this expansion and the benefits it will provide to our community.”
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