If, as expected, the Michigan Economic Growth Association and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation approve a tax cut Tuesday, United Solar Ovonic will expand into Battle Creek.
Jim Hettinger from Battle Creek Unlimited confirmed to 24 Hour News 8 he expect MEGA to make the final approval on the tax cuts.
The MEDC and MEGA will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Lansing.
Hettinger said the site is 150 acres in Fort Custer Industrial Park, and United Solar Ovonic will begin building in November. He said hundreds of $14 - $15 per hour jobs will be created.
Uni-Solar has been expanding in the Greenville area (right outside Grand Rapids) just as fast as they can, bringing hundreds of jobs to a community that was devastated when Electrolux left.
This is a day of transition for West Michigan. The Grand Rapids area was rocked by the news that GM would be closing its Wyoming stamping plant, but when one door is closed, another is open - and this announcement shows how the alternative energy economy will provide Michigan the jobs of the future.
Congrats to Battle Creek!