Companies’ expansion projects to create jobs in Macomb, Oakland counties
Posted By: Macomb Daily on March 15, 2024. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
An automotive supplier with deep local roots is expanding operations at its locations in Warren, Shelby Township and Pontiac, while a California company that makes alternative fuel storage systems is opening a plant in Wixom, according to state officials.
The projects by Paslin Co. in Warren and Quantum Fuel Systems LLC near Los Angeles will create 187 jobs and generate nearly $35 million in capital investment, with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
She said in a press release the projects will not only create jobs but “build on our leadership in advanced manufacturing.”
“I am grateful to The Paslin Company and Quantum Fuel Systems for betting on Michigan,” Whitmer said. “Together, we are bringing the supply chain, creating good-paying local jobs for Michiganders, and driving $35 million of investment into our communities.”
Paslin, which manufactures assembly and automation systems primarily for automotive customers, is expanding in Pontiac, Shelby Township and Warren due to having more work, officials said. The company is leasing more space at its Pontiac site and will add a total of 75 jobs there and at its Shelby Township location. It will also make building and equipment upgrades to one of its Warren facilities, where 25 jobs will be added, company officials said.
Paslin’s $12.3-million expansion will receive support from a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Mexico and the southern United States because of the ease of collaboration with its customer base and the partnership with the state, officials said.
“Paslin is excited to continue its partnership with the state of Michigan as we continue to expand,” said Paslin CEO Joe Perkins. “We remain committed to the state as we further strive for additional growth opportunities. We value and appreciate the partnership with the state.”
State Sen. Paul Wojno, a Warren Democrat, called Paslin “another Michigan success story, building on our automotive manufacturing heritage and expertise and continuing to grow and create jobs here at home while doing business around the globe.”
Shelby Township and the cities of Pontiac and Warren have offered to help Paslin find employees with job fairs and hiring initiatives. The company plans to work with Michigan Works! for local talent.
Pasin was founded in 1937 in Warren. In 2016, it was acquired by China-based Zhejiang Wanfeng Technology Development Co. It has three locations in Warren, and one location each in Pontiac, Shelby Township, Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, and Changchun, China.
Meanwhile, Quantum Fuel Systems, which serves OEMs in the automotive and mobility industries, is locating a manufacturing facility in Wixom, where it will produce lightweight compressed natural gas storage tanks, officials said. It provides low emission and fast-to-market solutions to support the integration and production of natural gas fuel and storage systems.
Officials said the company is growing, and the new site will allow it to increase production to gain more business with mobility and automotive companies.
“Quantum Fuel Systems is enthusiastic to work with the MEDC and other government authorities to further the commercialization of clean energy transportation,” said Quantum CEO Dean Varley. “Being located in Wixom, we will have close proximity to many of our global automotive customers.”
The $22.5-million project, which will create 87 jobs, will benefit from a $870,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
The company, located in in Lake Forest, Calif., chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Tennessee due to the strong automotive and mobility presence here, officials said.
The company says it trains and develops its employees, and supports cross training and personal growth. It also plans to utilize Michigan Works! to attract workers.
City of Wixon administration officials have recommended to their city council to award a tax break.
“We are thrilled to welcome Quantum Fuels Systems to Wixom, and appreciate their commitment to our community,” said Drew Benson, assistant city manager and director of economic development. “Wixom has a long history as a home to innovative companies in the mobility space, and we look forward to supporting Quantum Fuel Systems and their unique technology solutions in the future.”
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