Two Business Expansions Bring 125 New Jobs To Michigan

Electrical services firm Feyen Zylstra is adding second location in Walker, while German auto supplier MAHLE is expanding in St. Johns.

Projects expected to generate a total of $9 million in private investment and create 125 jobs in Michigan have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“We’re working to spark business growth, revitalize communities and create more and better jobs for our residents,” said Jeff Mason, CEO, MEDC. “The decision by Feyen Zylstra and MAHLE to expand in Michigan rather than in other states underscores the strength of Michigan’s business environment and our talented workforce. It is thanks to many public and private partners that these projects are taking place, and we’re pleased to support those collaborations.”

Michigan Economic Development
(Photo: Feyen Zylstra)

Feyen Zylstra is an electrical services firm focusing on the design, construction and maintenance of power, technology, infrastructure, and automation systems. The company was founded in a garage in Walker in 1980 and has grown to more than 700 employees and seven locations around the U.S., including four in Michigan. Feyen Zylstra needs to expand its technical workforce to meet increasing customer demand for data collection systems, customized software and plant floor connectivity. The company plans to purchase an additional facility in the city of Walker, investing $5.3 million and creating 100 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $570,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in South Carolina and Tennessee. The Right Place plans to offer assistance in finding candidates for the new positions.

“As the markets and industries we serve continue to grow and evolve, we intend to lead the market by offering the most innovative solutions,” said Feyen Zylstra CEO Nate Koetje. “With manufacturers racing to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0, this expansion will enable us to provide specialized technical solutions and fanatical service to our rapidly expanding customer group. We are thankful for the support of The Right Place and their partners at the MEDC and city of Walker for assisting us with this expansion process.”

Michigan Economic Development
(Photo: MAHLE Engine Components USA)

MAHLE Engine Components USA is an international development partner and supplier to the auto industry. The company’s parent, MAHLE GmbH, is a Stuttgart, Germany-based auto parts manufacturer and is one the largest auto suppliers worldwide. MAHLE plans to shut down its York, PA facility and relocate assembly to its location in St. Johns. The company also plans to bring a new line from the recently-acquired Brainbee currently located in Italy. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $2.9 million and create 25 jobs, resulting in a $186,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Tennessee and Mexico. The city of St. Johns plans to offer assistance with finding candidates for the newly-created positions.

The decision to relocate to St. Johns was simple because it is already a well-established, Tier 1 MAHLE facility, according to Rich Wolf, general manager, MAHLE Service Solutions. In addition, the move allows MAHLE Service Solutions to have its industry leading brands located under one roof and a centralized location for efficient customer service and support.

“The move to an award-winning company facility will streamline efficiency for the Service Solutions division and allow us to continue to offer the same high level of quality and reliability that people have come to expect from our service equipment,” Wolf said. “This new facility reinforces our market offerings that provide outstanding customer value, less downtime and a low total cost of ownership over the lifetime of each product.”

Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Michigan

Considering Michigan for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Michigan Incentives and Workforce Development Guide.