Inside a 300,000-square-foot plant in Battle Creek company and local officials gathered to mark the completion of Janseville Acoustics' largest manufacturing facility, one that is expected to bring at least 250 new jobs to the area.
They got a look at the plant's seven molding cells, 12 production assembly cells, and one fiber production line.
Work producing parts for Chrysler, Ford, Freightliner, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota began in February at the Battle Creek facility. The company reports that since it opened sales at the plant have increased 1,100 percent.
If the growth continues at this pace, by the end of 2013, Janesville Acoustics expects to add an additional 75 hourly positions. It currently has 150 employees in Battle Creek.
Janesville Acoustics invested $10 million in the project. Michigan Business Development Program incentive contributed $1.5 million. The City of Battle Creek approved a 10-year tax abatement on personal property installed at the facility. And Battle Creek Unlimited, the area's economic development organization, offered $140,000 in incentives for training, relocation and residency.
Calhoun County Michigan Works! and Kellogg Community College Regional Manufacturing Technology Center, and Battle Creek Unlimited also provided job training support.
The City of Battle Creek and Battle Creek Unlimited began working with Janesville Acoustics officials nearly a year ago, so the announcement the plant was going forward in Battle Creek was a welcome one for local officials, says Karl Dehn, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited.
"We’re grateful for the support we’ve received not only from these organizations but the local business community, as well, and we’re proud to finally unveil the fruits of these collective efforts," says Janesville Acoustics president David Cataldi.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Stacey Stark, Jason Inc.. and Janesville Acoustics
Officials from Janesville Acoustics and Jason Incorporated (parent company of Janesville Acoustics) participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Janesville Acoustics' new facility in Battle Creek on July 16, 2013. Standing with David Westgate (chairman, CEO and president of Jason Incorporated), Dave Cataldi (president of Janesville Acoustics) and the Jason board of directors is Karl Dehn, Battle Creek Unlimited CEO; Senator Mike Nofs; Steve Hilfinger, executive vice president and COO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Jase Bolger, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives; State Representative Kate Segal; and Battle Creek Mayor Susan Baldwin.
Janesville Acoustics president, Dave Cataldi, speaks to approximately 200 members of the business community at the grand opening of the company's Battle Creek facility on July 16, 2013.
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