Berrien County’s economic development team is on a roll, with another major assist to a manufacturer in Michigan’s Great Southwest…the second so far this month. The Cornerstone Alliance joined JR Automation Technologies of Stevensville, in announcing the forthcoming creation of 60 new high paying jobs and a sizable expansion of their Red Arrow Highway plant to the tune of a $1.9-million investment.JR Automation is a Michigan-based company that designs and builds custom automation equipment for multiple industry sectors from several facilities including the former Dane Systems of Stevensville, Michigan.
Cornerstone Alliance worked closely with company leadership by providing technical assistance and site development options that allowed JR Automation Technologies to successfully maneuver the obstacles for expansion. With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Kinexus, the Cornerstone Alliance team compiled a compelling business case for the successful expansion of their production facility to remain in Berrien County.
Bryan Jones is Chief Executive Officer of JR Automation. He says, “Southwest Michigan and the talented people who choose to work at JR Automation are huge contributors to our continued success and expansion. Having the supporting structure of Cornerstone Alliance, the MEDC, and Kinexus allows JR Automation to focus on our operational business growth.” Jones points out that, “Southwest Michigan is a great place to live and raise a family and we are excited to be offering new job opportunities to the workforce here. We look forward to the continued opportunities that will be generated in this community through JR’s expansion.”
Lincoln Charter Township Trustees approved a tax abatement at their meeting tonight for the 25,000 square foot expansion to the company’s existing Berrien County facility which will allow the company to accommodate increased production. JR Automation Technologies expects to complete construction by December, 2017.
Successful economic development efforts are focused on providing better jobs and more income for its residents. The impact of the 60 new jobs created by JR Automation Technologies is increasing the earning potential of the Berrien County workforce well over the county’s median household income of $44,000.
Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland says, “JR Automation is a growing company, with sites across the country and we are grateful they’ve chosen to invest and create high-paying, high-skilled jobs in Berrien County.” He adds, “As a long-time member of the Michigan family, JR Automation understands the positive business climate and advantages of doing business in the State of Michigan. Their belief in the ability to find skilled labor in Southwest Michigan is evident in their decision to grow in Berrien County.”
According to Cleveland, the expansion efforts of JR Automation Technologies were the result of a collaborative effort among economic development partners. Cleveland says, “JR Automation’s growth in Michigan’s Great Southwest would not have happened without the diligence and support from Lincoln Charter Township and Berrien County Drain Commissioner, Chris Quattrin. Cornerstone Alliance is grateful for the great work they did to make this expansion a reality.”
Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions that solve customers’ key operational and productivity challenges. JR serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, medical device, aerospace, and more. In 2016, JR Automation hired over 250 new technical employees with significant growth to continue in the coming years.
The JR Automation expansion is the second multi-million dollar expansion project assisted by the Cornerstone Alliance team this month, following closely on the heels of last week’s word that LECO Corporation will add a 64,000 square foot laboratory and products showcase on Hilltop Road in St. Joseph Township to the tune of $19-million dollars.
