LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation on Thursday announced the approval of incentives for five businesses by the Michigan Strategic Fund through the Michigan Business Development and Community Revitalization Programs.

The expansions include Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo, ArcticAx US in Grand Rapids, Blue Star 2 in Benton Harbor, Ionia Ventures in Grand Rapids and Quality Edge in Walker. The projects are expected to generate up to $26.3 million in investments and add 195 new jobs in the state, a statement by the MEDC said.

“These five companies are demonstrating that Michigan can compete with any state in the country as a great place to grow a business,” Michael Finney, MEDC president and CEO, said in the statement. “These projects will strengthen and further revitalize the West Michigan region and help growing companies in a variety of industries generate new job opportunities.”

Arcadia Brewing is a microbrewery, winemaker and restaurant, which plans to redevelop and locate into a new 30,000 square-foot pub, production facility, brew house and eatery on 2.6 acres of riverfront property.

ArcticAx US is a molecular diagnostic company that commercializes genetic markers for the testing of diseases. Its new operation in the city of Grand Rapids will be used initially for patient testing for individuals at risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Blue Star 2, LLC is a commercial real estate development and management company that will be renovating and leasing a building in downtown Benton Harbor. The finished space will include commercial and/or retail space and loft style apartments, the statement said.

Ionia Ventures is a real estate firm focusing on revitalizing unused spaces in downtown Grand Rapids, which is where it will use its grant to rehabilitate two buildings, including a mixed-use building with a first floor restaurant, second-floor offices and third-floor apartments.

Quality Edge, Inc. is a manufacturer of aluminum and steel residential building products such as soffits, fascia, drip edges, gutter protection and siding. Its $310,000 incentive will expand its operations to include a new metal roof product line in the city of Walker.

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