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Gov. Whitmer Announces 500 New Jobs High-Tech Auto Electronics Manufacturer Gentex Expands to Zeeland
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that Gentex, a manufacturer of high-tech products for the automotive, aerospace, and fire safety industries, is investing $ 300 million to expand in Zeeland with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, creating 500 well-paid jobs.
“Gentex’s $300 million investment to create 500 good-paying jobs will grow Michigan’s economy and help us continue to lead the future of mobility and electricity,” the said Governor Whitmer. “We are able to attract investment from companies like Gentex because of our collaboration on economic development legislation last year, which has led to billions of dollars in investment in Michigan and the thousands of jobs. Gentex is a long-standing Michigan company, and we thank them for expanding their presence in Michigan. Let’s continue to work together to grow our economy, building on our rich automotive heritage, and create good-paying, high-quality jobs for Michiganders.”
Gentex Corporation, headquartered in Zeeland, is a high-tech supplier for the global automotive, aerospace, and automotive industries. Gentex ships its products to automakers around the world and currently employs over 5,000 Michigan people.
Gentex plans to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Zeeland Charter Township, and expand its existing manufacturing facility in Zeeland Township. The project will provide the company with the expansion of capacity for the production of glass, the production of interior and exterior models, displays and electronics for cars and aircraft, and the development of new technologies for the home fire protection. Michigan was selected for the project over competing sites in Alabama, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
“We are pleased to announce that after two years of exploring our manufacturing and R&D footprint, we have reached an agreement with the State of Michigan to support our long-term commitment to the state and provide the necessary incentives to facilitate our future growth plans in Michigan,” said Gentex Corporation President and CEO Steve Downing. “Gentex has been a technology leader in the automotive, aerospace and fire protection industries for decades and currently employs 5,000 people in West Michigan. Today, we are announcing that we will continue that commitment.” as we look to add more than 500 new jobs and spend at least $300 million in new buildings and equipment over the next three years to support our growth efforts.
The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved the following in support of the project:
“Congratulations to the entire Gentex team on your continued success here in Michigan. We appreciate your vote of confidence in the talented workforce of West Michigan and the Zeeland community as you grow your company,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., MEDC CEO and President and Chairman. of the MSF Board. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of important tools that make work like this possible. We are happy to work with local partners like Lakeshore Advantage, the city of Zeeland, and Zeeland Charter Township to ensure that Gentex remains a key partner in our work to grow this high technology, unique business in West Michigan.
The project contributes to MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive manufacturing and builds on the state’s work to position itself as the center of autonomous and electric manufacturing in the US.
Gentex also offers many training opportunities and partners with Michigan Works! and the Lakeshore Advantage to reach local talent. The project will increase job growth with a major auto sales company and increase and strengthen the company’s productivity and future growth in Michigan.
“Gentex is our region’s largest employer and is a great example of a future-focused company expanding and providing exceptional service to West Michigan,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “We are honored to support the growth of this local company in the world and we celebrate their continued success.”
Zeeland Charter Township and the city of Zeeland are expected to approve property tax abatements to support the project, and MEDC also approved a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the abatement. the local. Individuals interested in a career with Gentex should visit https://www.gentex.com/careers/search-jobs/.
“The city of Zeeland once again congratulates Gentex on their growth, and we especially thank them for choosing to expand their operations in the Zeeland area,” said the Manager of the City of Zeeland Tim Klunder. “We are blessed and blessed to have a dedicated partner like Gentex who is willing to be in our community. Their ability to offer good jobs to people in our area is exciting and reinforces what makes them a great asset to our community!”
“The growth happening 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 bring to our community.”
Today’s announcement builds on other investment news in the state, including:
“Time and time again, Team Michigan continues to demonstrate its commitment to winning the future of EV operations and manufacturing here in Michigan,” Messer said. “We know that the landscape is a strong competition for these projects, and believe and believe, Michigan is clearly up to the challenge – and together, we will win, with our rich manufacturing heritage, the best workers skills, and network locations around the world.”
