LANSING – Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO James Epolito this week announced three new Smart Zones in Sault Ste. Marie, Sterling Heights, and Blackman Township.
Sault Ste. Marie – Supported by Lake Superior State University and officials from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, the zone will stimulate the growth of regional technology-based companies. It will focus on injection-molded plastics, precision machined surgical tools, precision bearings and electronic manufacturers, and robotics.
Sterling Heights – Supported by Oakland University and local businesses, the zone will stimulate the growth of regional technology-based companies. It will focus on defense and advanced manufacturing through a series of projects which will bring in 12 new companies and create 130 new jobs over the next two years.
Blackman Township – Supported by Spring Arbor University, Baker College, Jackson Community College and local community groups, the zone will stimulate the growth of regional technology-based companies. It will focus on alternative energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
SmartZones were established to foster collaborations between industry and universities aimed at the commercialization of research. Since the inception of the SmartZones program in 2002, more than 845 businesses have located or expanded in the zones, resulting in more than 16,359 jobs and $1.1 billion in private investment.
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