LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced grants this week totaling $1.038 million to the city of Greenville and the village of Sheridan to support local manufacturing expansions and more than 100 new jobs. The grants are made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“Dynamic communities are necessary for Michigan’s continued economic success,” Granholm said. “These kinds of projects help build the 21st century infrastructure that can support new business investment and job growth.”

A grant of $930,000 to Greenville will support the purchase of machinery and equipment by Zero l LLC to bring a production line to a leased facility in Greenville instead of China. Zero l, a designer and manufacturer of contract furniture and performance seating with five employees in Michigan, is investing $3.4 million in the project, which is expected to create an additional 93 new jobs in two years.

A $108,000 grant to Sheridan will allow injection-molder Wright Plastic Products to operate more cost-effectively by hooking up to the village sewer system. The company, with 29 employees in Sheridan, will invest $275,000 in machinery and equipment needed to accommodate new business opportunities. The village will contribute $14,100 toward the project, which is expected to create 11 new jobs.

“This showcases the importance of the CDBG program in helping communities facilitate business development and job growth,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. “The MEDC is pleased to partner with local and county officials in strengthening the regional economy.”
For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.TheMEDC.org.