LANSING, Mich. – Three business expansions – which combined will generate more than $21 million in capital investment and create 123 jobs around the state – have received Michigan Strategic Fund approval for support, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

“The successful expansion of these three companies reflects Michigan’s growing economy and expanding job opportunities for our state’s talented and abundant workforce,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “It is further evidence of the positive results of our commitment to help companies grow and add jobs here.”

Approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund:
Laird, Receptec Corp dba Laird Technologies, is a global technology company focused on providing systems, components and solutions that protect electronics from electromagnetic interference and heat, and that enable connectivity in mission critical systems through wireless applications and antenna systems.

“Laird offers full, end-to-end vehicle connectivity solutions including wireless charging, USB Interfaces, antenna coupling, and telematics control units. Laird’s highly capable software platform also provides value-added services that strengthen our position as the premier supplier of smart antennas and vehicle connectivity solutions,” said Laird President of Connected Vehicle Solutions Steve Brown.

Laird PLC and its subsidiary companies employ over 9,000 employees in more than 50 facilities located in 19 countries and supply products to all sectors of the electronics industry including connected transport, connected industry, connected medical, telecom/ computing, and mobile device markets. Laird’s Holly location is the only operation in Michigan and employs about 90 employees.

The company plans to build a new facility in Grand Blanc Township to consolidate its existing operations and provide more room for its expanding design, engineering, research and development services. The project is expected to generate more than $14.4 million and create 60 jobs, resulting in a $550,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Indiana and Ohio. Grand Blanc Township is offering support to the project in the form of property tax abatement. For career opportunities with Laird, visit www.lairdtech.com/careers.

Unique Instruments, a subsidiary of Orchid Solutions, LLC, designs and manufactures orthopedic implants. The Company plans to add new production lines in Bridgeport Township to manufacture single use cutting instruments critical in the surgical environment. The project is expected to generate $5 million in new investment and create 30 jobs, resulting in a $105,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in California

“Our mission is ‘To provide an opportunity for people to live a better life.’ Our employees do this every day through the products we make.  Orchid Bridgeport is happy to call Bridgeport Township our home for almost 40 years,” said Mark Burba, executive vice president – Implant Manufacturing. “We look forward to continued growth, and through partnering with Saginaw Future and the MEDC, we are able to remain competitive while bringing skilled manufacturing jobs to Michigan.

In addition to assistance from the MEDC, Saginaw Future is working with Bridgeport Township and the company to explore infrastructure improvements and seeking training support.

“Saginaw Future is pleased that Orchid-Unique has selected its Bridgeport location for this investment,” said SFI President JoAnn Crary. “We look forward to working together with the MEDC the community and the Saginaw County Road Commission to support continued growth in Saginaw County.”

For more information about careers with Unique Instruments, visit http://www.orchid-ortho.com/open-opportunities

DSM Engineering Plastics, a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Royal DSM, is a global supplier of high-performance engineering thermoplastic solutions developed for a wide range of applications. The company plans to expand its headquarters in the city of Troy and establish an engineering and applications development center. The project will generate a total capital investment of $2.4 million and create 33 jobs, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Indiana. The city of Troy is supporting the project with Troy Community Center memberships and/or other marketing and promotional assistance. For information about careers with DSM, visit http://www.dsm.com/corporate/careers.html

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan.  These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.

For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org. Michigan residents interested in seeking employment with any of Michigan’s growing companies should check mitalent.org, where more than 96,000 jobs are currently available in a variety of industries.