GRAND BLANC TWP. — Mara Technologies USA Inc., a new Markham, Ontario-based Invotek Group subsidiary, will expand operations to Grand Blanc Township with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined MEDC officials last week in announcing that the state had approved a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Mara Technologies is one of three companies to receive assistance for expansion projects.
“These business expansions will create 473 good-paying jobs and bring over $26 million of investment to Grand Blanc, Ypsilanti, and Monroe to help us keep growing our economy,” Gov. Whitmer said.
Invotek is launching manufacturing in Michigan to support the localization and onshoring strategies of its customer ATX Networks Corp., according to the information posted on the Invotek website.
ATX is “a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions,” the company said.
Invite officials said the expansion will allow ATX to shorten delivery times for products in the North American marketplace “and will help mitigate supply chain challenges.”
The state-of-the-art is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023 in one of the former Magna Technologies buildings on Holly Road. Magna relocated to a much larger facility across the street a couple of years ago.
Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Scott Bennett said the township has been working with Invotek officials for a while.
“This is very good news,” Bennett said.
He said that the development would further the township’s goal of expanding technology-based industry.
“We believe (technology-based businesses) have the strongest future,” Bennett said.
He said called the Invotek expansion “a win” for the community.
“Three-hundred jobs in the technology sector is phenomenal,” Bennett said.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $28 million and create 298 jobs. The Invotek group chose the facility in Grand Blanc over a Mexican proposal as Michigan provided better proximity to a talented workforce, supply chain infrastructure, and customer objectives.
“We are very happy to have the help we are getting from MEDC and the State of Michigan to create good American jobs and bring production back onshore,” said Invotek Group/Mara Technologies USA Vice President of Operations Jeffrey S. Gary.
“The products we will be making will upgrade communications infrastructure and extend broadband communications to areas where it was previously unavailable. We are proud of our improvements to the country and our Michigan employees.”
According to the press release, Mara Technologies plans to partner with Michigan Works! to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees.
The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance plans to assist the company in finding candidates for the new positions. For information on careers with Mara Technologies, contact [email protected]
“Mara Technologies’ decision to open a location in Grand Blanc Township is an exciting development for Genesee County,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “Our region has a robust talent pipeline to meet the company’s needs, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth in our community.”
Other companies receiving support include 360 Digilab, LLC, a family-owned business specializing in state-of-the-art fitting dental restorations headquartered in Monroe, and JB Poindexter & Co., a diversified manufacturing company headquartered in Houston, TX.
“The decisions by these three companies to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem while further demonstrating our commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chair of the MSF Board.
“These projects are wins for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of our efforts. These projects reflect our commitment to working with our partners to ensure that Michigan becomes an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures. Work remains ahead, yet we are grateful for the vote of confidence that continues to show in Team Michigan.” — L.R.
