One hundred new jobs in the city of Howell will be supported thanks to a state transportation economic development grant provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A grant totaling $267,200 will leverage $52.5 million in private investment, at a private/public investment ratio of more than 196-to-1.
Thai Summit America Corp. is a sheet metal stamping company that is a Tier One supplier to the Big Three automakers. The company produces a substantial number of structural components for the aluminum body Ford F-150. To meet increased demand, Thai Summit is expanding its Howell location, its only North American plant, with a $52.5 million expansion. This investment will result in 100 news jobs by 2017.
Thai Summit considered expanding in Kentucky, where the Ford F-250 is produced, but preferred the Howell location due to its highway accessibility to the company’s main customers and rail access for additional shipping. However, McPherson Park Drive, the “last mile” from the highway to the plant, has severely deteriorated sections at the CSX Railroad crossing and Mason Road that cause excessive wear on company and employee vehicles.
To accommodate Thai Summit’s expansion, the City of Howell will resurface McPherson Park Drive near Mason Road and both approaches to the CSX Railroad grade crossing. The total cost of the project is $334,000, including $267,200 in TEDF funds and $66,800 provided by the City of Howell.
“The City of Howell and MDOT have been supportive partners as we expand our facility in Howell,” said Nunthawat Yuktanonda, Thai Summit executive finance manager. “The road repairs will improve traffic flow and increase safety around our facility.”
Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF helps finance highway, road and street projects that encourage private investment in Michigan resulting in job creation or retention. TEDF “Category A” or “Targeted Industries Program” grants provide state funding for transportation improvements that will help accommodate increased traffic and provide commercial routes that are safe and more efficient for new and expanding companies. More information about the program is available online at www.michigan.gov/tedf.
Source: MDOT