LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today announced that Von Weise, Inc. plans to relocate its Indiana and Missouri operations to its facility in Eaton Rapids, creating 364 new Michigan jobs. The company had been planning to take the jobs to Mexico, but instead chose to invest in Michigan's workers.
"Creating more good-paying jobs now for mid-Michigan workers is my top priority as I fight to get our economy back on track," Simpson said. "We are well on our way to attracting employers to Michigan. I am glad to see Von Weise is expanding its Eaton County workforce."
The company will transfer approximately $4 million worth of equipment to Eaton Rapids and will invest $3.3 million in new equipment over the next five years. The expansion will create 364 new Michigan jobs.
Von Weise offers two product lines: Automotive – small motors or actuators for automobiles, and Specialty Products – electric and recoil small engine starters for garden tractors, lawn mowers and snow blowers; mobile HVAC used in heavy trucks and buses; and gear motors and actuators for health care beds, power-assisted chairs and ice machines.
The company is headquartered in Eaton Rapids and has facilities in Nappanee, Ind.; Juarez, Mexico; St. Clair, Mo.; and Cambridge, Ontario. Rep. Simpson worked with both the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Von Weise to bring the project to Michigan rather than Mexico.
"This move will put more of our residents back on the job now, which is vital to helping our working families get through these tough economic times," Simpson said. "Von Weise is a key player in our local economy and I am pleased they have chosen to relocate these jobs to Eaton Rapids."