Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County’s economic development agency, has received approval on behalf of Lakeshore Die Cast of an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption from the Village Council of Baroda.
“Lakeshore Die Cast is a Michigan-grown business, and we are proud they continue to expand their operations in Michigan’s Great Southwest,” said Cathy Tilley, Cornerstone Alliance Business Development Manager. “The company’s commitment to community is further demonstrated by their continuous investment and further expansion which will add new job opportunities to the Southwest Michigan job market.”
Founded in 1959, Lakeshore Die Cast has a history of expanding in Baroda. The latest expansion includes an upgrade to the existing electrical service requiring installation of transmission lines, transformers, high voltage metering and disconnects. The upgrade will allow Lakeshore Die Cast to utilize all 14 die casting machines on-site simultaneously and still have additional power to add more die casting and machining capability.
The upgrade will also support the connection of a 1.4MW AC grid tied solar array which will generate 100% of the power used on-site for the production of die castings. The expansion project began in October 2021 and is set for completion in late March 2022. The project will retain 28 jobs, add eight new jobs, and create over $725,000 in capital investment.
“Lakeshore Die Cast is committed to manufacturing in Baroda,” said Adam Schaller, Vice President of Lakeshore Die Cast. “This project and associated tax exemption will allow us to continue adding jobs in the community and expand. The solar array and associated transmission equipment are the first steps for our plant towards energy independence. Taking sunlight harvested in Baroda and turning it into power to make die castings is the definition of sustainable manufacturing.”
