JR AUTOMATION TO CREATE 60 NEW JOBS IN BERRIEN COUNTY; INVEST $1.9 MILLION

JR Automation, a Michigan-based company that designs and builds custom automation equipment for multiple industries, announced today it will create 60 new jobs over the next three years and invest $1.9 million by expanding its operations in Stevensville, Michigan. Cornerstone Alliance worked closely with company leadership by providing technical assistance and site development options that allowed JR Automation to successfully maneuver the obstacles for expansion. With support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Kinexus, the Cornerstone Alliance team compiled a compelling business case that will assist JR Automation in the successful expansion of their production facility in Berrien County.

“Southwest 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 Cornerstone Alliance, the MEDC, and Kinexus allows JR to focus on our operational business growth,” said Bryan Jones, CEO, JR Automation. “Southwest Michigan is a great place to live and raise a family and we are excited to be offering new job opportunities to the workforce here. We look forward to the continued opportunities that will be generated in this community through JR's expansion.”

Lincoln Charter Township Trustees approved a tax abatement at the March 14, 2017 meeting for the 25,000 square feet expansion to their existing Berrien County facility which will allow the company to accommodate increased production. JR Automation Technologies expects to complete construction by December, 2017. They plan to create 60 new jobs over the next three years.

Successful economic development efforts are focused on providing better jobs and more income for its residents. The impact of the 60 new jobs created by JR Automation is increasing the earning potential of the Berrien County workforce well over the county’s median household income of $44K.

“JR Automation is a growing company, with sites across the country, and we are grateful they’ve chosen to invest and create high-paying, high-skilled jobs in Berrien County,” said Rob Cleveland, President of Cornerstone Alliance. “As a long-time member of the Michigan family, JR Automation understands the positive business climate and advantages of doing business in the State of Michigan. Their belief in the ability to find skilled labor in Southwest Michigan is evident in their decision to grow in Berrien County.”

According to Cleveland, the expansion efforts of JR Automation were the result of a collaborative effort among economic development partners. “JR Automation’s growth in Michigan’s great Southwest would not have happened without the diligence and support from Lincoln Charter Township and Berrien County Drain Commissioner, Chris Quattrain. Cornerstone Alliance is grateful for the great work they did to make this expansion a reality,” said Cleveland.

ABOUT JR AUTOMATION

Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions that solve customers’ key operational and productivity challenges. JR serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, medical device, aerospace, and more. In 2016, JR Automation hired over 250 new technical employees with significant growth to continue in the coming years.

ABOUT CORNERSTONE ALLIANCE

Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan’s Great Southwest; with specialized business services offered in economically distressed areas.