Michigan wins jobs and investment over another state competing for the economic development 

Lansing, MI – On March 2nd, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce funding approval for SMTAutomation, a provider of automation equipment and machining services, to expand their operations in Bruce Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $7.2 million and create 60 well-paying jobs, supported by a $300,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Washington. 

“SMTAutomation is investing more than $7 million in Macomb County, creating 60 good-paying jobs for Michiganders and building on Michigan’s economic momentum,”?said? Governor Whitmer. “I am proud of our bipartisan efforts to grow our economy, bring manufacturing and supply chains home, and create opportunity in every region of our state. Each project we land is a testament to our strong workforce and economic development tools, and I know we can continue working together to create good-paying jobs and build a brighter future for Michigan.” 

“Congratulations to the SMTAutomation team on your continued growth and success! We appreciate your vote of confidence in the incredible talent and competitive business climate existing here in Michigan,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are grateful to the Governor, bipartisan leaders in the Legislature and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re proud to join partners in supporting SMTAutomation, and will continue working to grow jobs and provide greater employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for our friends and neighbors in Southeast Michigan.” 

SMTAutomation specializes in the design, production and installation of a wide range of equipment for assembled process automation and provides services including CNC machining, laser cutting, and more. Current clients include OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers including GM, Ford, Magna and others. The company is based in Roseville and currently has 57 full-time employees and 30 contract employees. 

SMTAutomation has recently been awarded a large hydroponics project from a Washington-based client that is already in the prototype phase and plans to construct a new facility in Bruce Township that will house assembly and office space. 

SMTAutomation supports personal growth of its employees by offering a variety of training opportunities that allow team members to further engage and grow their skillsets. The company also utilizes the Michigan New Jobs Training Program through Macomb Community College to facilitate training opportunities. The project will bring 60 engineering jobs with a growing company and could lead to future investment in Michigan. 

“We appreciate the support of the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Bruce Township as we continue to provide jobs and support the local community with this investment,” said SMTAutomation Finance Manager Elena Morales. “We are working toward obtaining our IOS9001 certification which will allow us to increase our capabilities, and look forward to being the employer and customer of choice.” 

“Our team worked closely with SMTAutomation during their effort to expand, and we're thrilled to see them move forward with this new facility here in Macomb County,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “SMTAutomation is on the forefront of manufacturing technology and we are proud to have them continue to grow in our community.” 

“Michigan has always been a leader in manufacturing and the expansion of SMTAutomation in Bruce Township continues this legacy,” said Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly). “Macomb County is home to many highly skilled workers and is a great place to grow a business. The high-tech manufacturing jobs created by this new project will support our auto industry and many other customers in our state.” 

Bruce Township has offered a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. For information on careers with SMTAutomation, [email protected].