LANSING ? Business projects in Ann Arbor and Roseville were granted $1.5 million in incentives from the Michigan Strategic Fund Thursday, which will be used to leverage $5.9 million in private investment.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. said the two projects also would generate 639 new jobs in the state.
?These two innovative companies deserve our congratulations and our thanks for their decision to locate in Michigan. These investments in our state will strengthen our communities and fuel new opportunities for our talented workforce,? said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. ?Today?s projects demonstrate that Michigan?s highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities mean real opportunities for leading edge companies.?
The projects approved include:
Renu Wireless USA, LLC, a joint venture between Florida-based Renu WG Holdings LLC and Michigan-based IWH Cornerstone LLC, provides large scale wireless re-manufacturing and refurbishing services for smartphones and other devices. The company plans to invest nearly $5.3 million for a new communications re-manufacturing operation in the City of Roseville. The project will create up to 228 jobs, resulting in a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in North Carolina. The project is being considered by the City of Roseville and Macomb County for support in the form of a property tax abatement, a county-hosted job fair, or use of Macomb County facilities.
Universal Marketing Group, LLC, headquartered in Toledo, OH, is a sales-oriented call center servicing the infomercial industry. UMG plans to open a new call center in the former Borders building in the City of Ann Arbor, investing up to $568,662 and creating up to 411 jobs. As a result, the company is being awarded a $600,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Bowling Green and Columbus, OH. Ann Arbor SPARK, in partnership with Washtenaw County Michigan Works!, has committed to providing talent support to the company, including job postings and resume screening.
