JR AUTOMATION TO INVEST $5.6 MILLION IN NEW HOLLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP FACILITY

JR Automation, a global leader in custom automation solutions, announced their intention to expand in Holland Charter Township, Michigan. JR Automation’s decision to expand operations in Holland and invest $5.6 million will create 250 new jobs in the area over the course of the project.

“West Michigan and the talented people who choose to work at JR are huge contributors to our continued success and expansion. Having the supporting structure of Lakeshore Advantage, MEDC, Michigan Works! and Holland Charter Township allows JR to focus on our operational business growth in Michigan,” said Bryan Jones, CEO, JR Automation. “West Michigan is a great place to live and raise a family and we are excited to be offering hundreds of new job opportunities to both experienced engineers and new grads. We look forward to the continued opportunities that will be generated in our community through this expansion.”

Lakeshore Advantage played a key role in supporting the West Michigan-based company through the decision making process by catalyzing organizations and available resources to help the company grow here. JR Automation currently has multiple facilities in the Holland area, and the bulk of the jobs being created are in engineering.

"JR Automation is a true example of a local company that started in a garage now developed into one of region’s major employers,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “The systems developed by the JR team are sure to equip manufacturers throughout the world for efficiency and growth."

Since 1980, JR Automation has provided custom automated equipment and services to customers in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical device, pharmaceutical, food processing, construction, and more. The company has experienced substantial growth since 2009.

“As an innovative, engineering-focused organization, JR Automation fits nicely into our local business community’s sweet spot. Their continued growth and success is no surprise, as JR has grown 475 percent since 2009,” said Jane Clark, President, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. “Anyone familiar with the company’s strong culture, customer focus and innovative technologies can be confident that we will continue to see great things from JR Automation.”

JR Automation chose to expand in Michigan through a national search. As a result of the positive impact this expansion will have on the community, the company has been awarded a $2.2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

“JR Automation’s decision to expand in Michigan rather than in another state means good-paying jobs for Michigan residents and reflects the depth of our state’s manufacturing talent,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “JR Automation is an important employer in the Holland area, and this investment will make the region even stronger for years to come.”

Holland Charter Township’s support was an important factor that led to the decision to grow in the area. Holland Charter Township has offered a 12-year property tax abatement to the company.

“The Board members and staff of Holland Charter Township are excited about the JR Automation expansion project,” states Don Komejan of Holland Charter Township. “The company is a very good corporate member of our local community and we look forward to their continued success in the township.”

West Michigan Works! is providing up to $190,000 in grants and workforce support to JR Automation. These funds will allow the company to have the skilled and qualified workforce they need to be successful.

"West Michigan Works! is focused on providing our region's employers with a skilled and qualified workforce so that they can meet the demands of a growing economy,” said Jacob Maas, CEO of Michigan Works!. “We're especially pleased to support the many attraction and expansion projects happening on the lakeshore."