Creative Composites expands aerospace capabilities

What's happening: Creative Composites in Rapid River will receive a nearly $1 million investment to help the company massively increase its aerospace capabilities. After a total capital investment of $960,000, with $135,000 coming from a Micro Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, the company will be able to upgrade its hydraulic press and other equipment and install an aerospace clean room. The upgrades are expected to create 17 jobs in north Delta County.

Investing in aerospace: Savic Inc., in downstate Troy, also received a similar grant, as both companies work with products that can be used in defense and aerospace engineering. It continues an overall trend of Michigan’s increasing impact on the aerospace market and creating a wide range of jobs in the Upper Peninsula.

What they're saying: “The decisions by these companies to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our tech and defense and aerospace industries, and further demonstrate Team Michigan’s commitment to delivering long-term economic growth for all Michiganders in communities of all sizes and all areas of the state,” Matt McCauley, senior vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Regional Prosperity. “We are proud to work with our local partners on these projects that will help to drive economic opportunity across Michigan. We will continue working to win projects, invest in places, and support our people as we encourage businesses of all sizes to ‘Make It in Michigan.’”

What's next: Hiring for the positions will begin soon, with the Delta County Economic Development Alliance assisting in various administrative ways.

“We are pleased that company’s project will remain in Delta County, as well as the 17 new jobs the project will create. Creative Composites will provide an example for our manufacturing community that not only can you ‘Make It in Michigan,’ but you can make it in Delta County and the U.P. as well.," said Ed Legault, executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance. "I am really proud the MEDC team understands the special needs that businesses in the U.P. have when it comes to expansion and staying competitive in their product offering. With the MEDC’s support we look forward to the project becoming a reality.”