Kalamazoo Times

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) announced 184 new jobs would be created due to the expansion of two companies.

“We are thrilled that Bleistahl has chosen to expand their operations in Battle Creek,” Battle Creek Unlimited President and CEO Joe Sobieralski told Michigan.gov. “Since 2013, Bleistahl has been providing quality jobs for our community, and we are excited for their next chapter and growth in Battle Creek.”

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the Battle Creek-based Bleistahl North American Limited Partnership, which supplies auto parts to local car manufacturers, would establish 69 jobs through the expansion of its company.

The Michigan Strategic Fund backed the enlargement of the two companies that will help boost the state’s economy and position Michigan as a worldwide leader in mobility solutions and auto manufacturing.

“Today’s investments will create 184 jobs and help us continue growing our economy,” Whitmer said, according to Michigan.gov. “Since I took office, we’ve added 21,600 auto jobs, and today’s projects will keep building on that progress. These investments are possible because we worked side by side last December to enact historic, bipartisan economic development legislation that has empowered us to compete for more dollars and jobs, including the $7 billion investment from GM we landed in January. We will continue building on our leadership in mobility and electrification solutions by supporting business growth in our communities. Our economy is growing and, thanks to projects like these, we will keep moving Michigan forward.”

The release reported that Charter Township of Redford-based UTAC, which provides car testing services, would create an additional 89 jobs by expanding operations.