Kalamazoo Times

An Ohio-based automotive supplier has decided that Shelby Township will be home to its new operations.

Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber will spend $12.1 million towards operations that are expected to produce 75 new jobs while retaining 62 jobs, according to a news release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-MI) office. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) made the announcement that the project has backing from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).

Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and president and chair of the MSF, said in the news release the project is a great opportunity for the economy of Southeast Michigan.

“We are grateful to the governor and legislators for the continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program,” he said. “We’re proud to join our partners at the Detroit Regional Partnership, Macomb County and Shelby Township as we celebrate AAF’s new operations here and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors.”

The state was chosen over competing sites in Ohio and Canada and is backed by a $375,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber is expected to purchase Shelby Township-based G&G Industries and renovate its facility for its operations.  

“This investment by Midwest Acoust-A-Fiber to create 75 good-paying manufacturing jobs in Shelby Township underscores the strength of our talented manufacturing workforce and our attractive business climate,” said Whitmer. “Let’s keep working together to put Michiganders first and investing in our hardworking people, innovative businesses, and resilient communities so they can thrive.”

Whitmer added that the move was possible thanks to bipartisan collaboration that put economic development before politics.

“This project will strengthen AAF’s presence and future growth in the North American NVH industry,” said AAF’s CEO Herve Bocher. “We will be closer to our American customers, offering a high-quality product with fast response times for dynamic industry needs with a product proudly made in Michigan, USA.”