Growth In Saginaw County Apparent With Assistance From Saginaw Future Inc.

SFI Has Remained Dedicated To Fostering Quality Job Creation And Expansion

December 31, 2008
By: MyBayCity Staff

The year ends its 3rd Quarter on a high note for Saginaw County Business Attractions.


Information obtained in a Press Release shows promising results from 2008 for a bright business future! This is good news for the Tri Cities as it faces the reality of a slumped economy and job loss.

In the 3rd quarter of 2008, Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) assisted eight companies that invested nearly $30 million creating 30 jobs and retaining 750. In addition, one company received a $40,000 job training grant.

Expansions

Chesaning Manufacturing Company, Inc. has been producing aerospace tooling and test equipment for over 45 years. The company recently became one of five preferred General Electric suppliers. The company purchased nearly $350,000 in new equipment and four new workers were hired. SFI assisted Chesaning Manufacturing and the community with an investment incentive and job training funds. The company manufactures everything from small hand tools to large overseas containers complete with tool sets for an engine overhaul.

· CMI-Schneible Co. invested $700,000 in a new production line and added 18 employees as a result. The company won a contract to help produce V-6 engine blocks, which will diversify its capabilities. CMI-Schneible already processes GM's Generation IV V-8 engine blocks. Saginaw Future was able to assist the company and the community with an investment incentive, along with previous support. In 2006, the manufacturer invested $3 million in two new processing cells for engine block grinding and finishing that led to seven workers being hired. CMI and two other GM-Saginaw Metal Casting Operations suppliers have co-located at the former Nodular Plant site on Veterans Memorial Parkway since 2003.

· Dow Corning Corporation invested $1.16 million in its Health Industries Materials Site (HIMS) in Thomas Township. The project includes construction of a nitrogen pipeline between Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and HIMS, eliminating the need for tanker deliveries. The company made modifications to its cooling tower pumps and installed a larger air compressor. HIMS also upgraded its injection molding equipment to meet changing customer requirements, retaining two jobs at the facility. This is third recent investment at HIMS totaling nearly $11 million. SFI was able to help the company and community with a tax abatement policy. HIMS, established in 1964, is the only Dow Corning site dedicated to supplying products to the health care industry.

· InCal Technologies purchased new equipment to expand its calibration and inspection capabilities. Computer equipment, accessories and software upgrades necessary for keeping pace with changing technology were also added. The Buena Vista-based company invested $83,500 and created three new jobs. This is InCal's third expansion investment since 2006, which totals nearly $349,000.

· Mistequay Group Ltd. purchased new equipment valued at $266,000 in order to expand its capabilities. The new equipment which includes grinding, milling, and boring machinery, will complement building upgrades made by the company just over a year ago. Computer software and hardware were also added to complete the project. Mistequay Group, located at 1212 N. Niagara St. in the City of Saginaw, is expected to create two new jobs. Saginaw Future assisted the company and the community with a tax abatement application. This is Mistequay's third expansion since 2002, which totals more than $1.6 million.

· Prints Plus Inc. has expanded its business through the purchase of a CCP650 Color Commercial Copier, which produces top quality full color copies. The machine is also capable of delivering completely finished full color booklets, folded, stapled, face trimmed and/or two or three hole punched at a rate of 65 pages per minute. The equipment will allow Prints Plus to maintain a competitive pace with the industry. The total project investment is $75,000 and will create two new jobs. Saginaw Future assisted the company and the community with tax abatement.

· Siler Precision Machine, Inc. continues to develop and grow its Village of Merrill facility. The company purchased a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling Center valued at nearly $90,000, which will result in the creation of one job. This is Siler Precision?s fifth investment since 2002 totaling nearly $700,000. The previous project included updating office space, meeting rooms and its main lobby to accommodate its growing business. Siler Precision was established in 1994 when owners converted a vacant car dealership into a tool and die facility. Saginaw Future has worked closely with Siler and was able to assist the company and the community with tax incentives.

Attractions

TRW Integrated Chassis Systems, LLC plans to invest over $27 million in the former Delphi Chassis facility in the City of Saginaw, retaining 750 employees at the site. The company began operating the former Delphi brake plant in the fall of 2007. The Saginaw City Council unanimously supported the transfer of existing tax abatements under Public Act (P.A.) 198 and P.A. 328. Saginaw Future assisted the City and TRW with the abatement transfer and worked with the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and area legislators to pass legislation allowing the transfer. TRW's Saginaw facility manufactures brake assembly components including modules, calipers and rotors for General Motors vehicles.

Job Training Grant

· Miller Mold Company received a $40,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation Economic Development Job Training grant for a company-wide quality management program and Uniqraphics training. Saginaw Future assisted the Saginaw Charter Township-based company with the grant process.

Established in 1992, Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) is a public-private alliance of local businesses, the County of Saginaw, City of Saginaw, 16 local municipalities and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. SFI's strategic partners also include education, labor and government.

Since its beginning, SFI has remained dedicated to fostering quality job creation through expansion of local industry and attraction of new business projects to the community.

For more information, please contact Greg LaMarr at 989-757-2104 or e-mail glamarr@saginawfuture.com