ZEELAND — JR Automation on Sept. 3, announced plans to build a new $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland. The company plans to officially break ground on Sept. 17 with construction expected to be completed by late Fall 2026.

The 286,000-square-foot facility will include 76,000 square feet of office space and 210,000 square feet dedicated to the assembly of customer automation projects, MLIVE reports. 

“The launch of our new global headquarters marks more than a change in location, it’s a bold step forward in our journey to shape the future of automation,” Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation, said in a statement. “The facility is designed to empower our teams, inspire our partners, and deliver transformative solutions to our customers worldwide.”

The new facility will bring approximately 350 employees from several West Michigan locations together into one campus. JR Automation also expects to add at least 150 new jobs with the expansion.

In an effort to attract and retain talent, the 45-acre campus will feature an on-site fitness center, and paved walkable, bikeable paths integrated into restored native prairie land.

The announcement follows a strategic meeting in Tokyo between leaders from JR Automation, its parent company Hitachi Ltd., and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer underscoring the company’s importance to Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector, a release stated.
“JR Automation’s new global headquarters is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in innovation and build strong partnerships between Michigan and global leaders like Hitachi,” Whitmer said in a statement.
“This project will retain and create good-paying jobs, strengthen our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforce Michigan’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology.”
The project was first introduced to Whitmer and Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer, Jr., at Select USA 2024 – an annual conference aimed at promoting foreign direct investment into the United States.
Whitmer’s visit to Tokyo was one of many stops of an investment and trade mission in Asia, which kicked off Aug. 31.
Read more at MLIVE