SCHOOLCRAFT – Equipment manufacturer Metal Mechanics announced Tuesday that it will bring seven new jobs to Southwest Michigan through a $1,250,000 investment.
After a public hearing October 4 and approval from the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, the growing Schoolcraft manufacturer is investing in a 30,000-square-foot building which will house and expand its existing operations.
The Kalamazoo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (KCBRA) supported Metal Mechanics in the process through allowance of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which will reimburse $80,000 worth of Brownfield eligible activities. The Brownfield Plan helps to restore a property that is a contaminated former lumber treating site and returns it to functional use for Metal Mechanics. The project was also supported by the Village of Schoolcraft through a 12-year industrial facilities tax abatement on the company’s real property investment.
Metal Mechanics, a specialist in trim presses for the metal casting industry, is a “from the ground up construction” operation, with an in-house fabrication department. Since 1971, the company has committed to providing quality trim presses with a focus on flexibility and customer service.
“Metal Mechanics has been a staple in Kalamazoo County for nearly 50 years. Its investment into a brand new manufacturing operation solidifies its continued commitment to growing business and employment in the area,” said Ron Kitchens, president and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First. “We operate based upon the belief that ‘the most powerful force for change is a job’ and have no doubt many families will benefit from the opportunities provided by this expansion.”
