CASCADE TOWNSHIP, MI — Aerospace and defense contractor L3 Harris Technologies has received a $500,000 state grant to help the company pay for a $2.6 million expansion at its Cascade Township factory that will create 34 jobs.
The company is consolidating its aviation electronics manufacturing services at the Cascade Township plant, a move that will retain 21 jobs and is expected to create an additional 34 positions paying an average weekly wage of $1,177, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
“L3Harris Technologies’ decision to expand its Cascade Township operations over competing regions across the country is a win for our region,” Randy Thelen, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., said in a statement. “Greater Grand Rapids competes on both a national and global scale for hi-tech, innovative companies like L3Harris. Winning projects of this caliber further strengthens our defense and R&D cluster, while bringing high-paying jobs to our community.”
MEDC and The Right Place, a Grand Rapids-based economic development group, worked with the company to help keep it in Cascade Township.
L3 Harris said the $500,000 state grant was necessary because it was considering consolidating services at facilities in Arizona, Georgia, Florida and Texas, according to an MEDC memo. The company based its decision on incentive assistance, use of existing property and cost advantages.
In a news release, L3 Harris’ president of commercial aviation, Alan Crawford, said, “The Greater Grand Rapids region offers the skilled employee base and thriving business environment we need, so we look forward to our continued success here.”
The products produced at the Cascade Township factory are primarily be sold to commercial and military aerospace markets, according to the MEDC. The Cascade Township facility has operated since 1966 and employs 234 people.
The term of the $500,000 grant agreement with the MEDC is in effect for one year. The company will be awarded $14,705 per new job created, with a minimum of 25 jobs created and a maximum of 34 jobs created, the grant agreement shows.
While the grant agreement covers up to 34 jobs, the company says it might create up to 50 new jobs, according to the MEDC.
“This expansion by L3Harris will help us continue Michigan’s economic growth and recovery,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Today’s investment will create good-paying jobs in West Michigan, further boost our state as a defense hub, and support business growth. We will build on our economic momentum to usher in a new era of prosperity for our families and communities.”
The breakdown of the planned 34 jobs includes 12 entry-level assemblers, two semi-skilled operators, 19 skilled craftsman, and one professional planning manager, according to the MEDC.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is based in Melbourne, Florida, and employs about 50,000 people worldwide. It was created in a merger between defense industry giants Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies Inc.
Read more:
Numerous road closures planned in Grand Rapids for Amway River Bank Run
Old Muskegon Moose Lodge, vacant for nearly two decades, reopens as event center
Ad Choices