Holland Michigan is the OPPOSITE of what you think when you think of Michigan. It is a very conservative pocket in Michigan (Congressman is Pete Hoekstra-R), and there is a LOT of anti- or at least non-union sentiment there.
When I grew up there, while Johnson was slamming Goldwater 60-40%, the result was the opposite in Holland, with 60% voting Goldwater, and little has changed since then.
2009 Michigan to Receive a $1.7 Billion Jumpstart
Four major manufacturers of batteries for hybrid and electric cars are investing more than $1.7 billion to build new manufacturing plants in Michigan.
The companies — A123Systems, Johnson Controls, LG Chem-Compact Power and KD Advanced Battery Group — secured the tax credits to build the facilities, which could create 6,700 jobs for a state economy that is intertwined with the fortunes of the struggling American automakers. As those companies focus on producing more fuel-efficient vehicles, Michigan is positioning itself to become the “advanced battery capital of the world,” Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Today marks a defining moment for Michigan’s future as we see a new industry begin to take root and grow new jobs,” she said.
Gov. Granholm signed legislation in January for $335 million in refundable tax credits to bring battery developers to Michigan. Last week, she boosted those incentives up to $555 million, putting Michigan in contention for up to $2 billion in federal advanced-battery development grants, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office.
Based on the recommendations of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) approved a total of $543.5 million in tax credits for the battery companies’ expansions.
A123Systems has secured $125.2 million in tax breaks in order to open a new production plant in Livonia, MI. The Massachusetts-based developer of lithium-ion batteries is investing $600 million in the new facility, which is expected to create more than 5,000 new jobs.
“We expect that our planned new facilities in Michigan will serve as a global product center, powering a new generation of cleaner, more fuel efficient cars and trucks,” said David Vieau, president and chief executive officer of A123.
“The company recently partnered with Chrysler to supply battery cells and systems for the car manufacturer’s forthcoming ENVI line of electric cars. A123 has also been commissioned to produce battery cells for Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), the maker of China’s first hybrid electric vehicle.
A123 already received $10 million from the state in November, for the purpose of creating a research and development center focused on batteries for the automobile, defense and alternative energy industries. The R&D institution will be based in the new Livonia facility, performing research projects with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls - Saft Advanced Power Solutions (JCS) plans to invest $220 million to construct its first U.S. cell manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles, potentially creating 498 new jobs. The battery supplier intends to build on one of its existing sites in Holland, MI.
JCS will receive $148.5 million from MEGA. The company said in a press release that it also plans to apply for a grant through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) next month.
JCS has been contracted to produce lithium-ion batteries for Ford’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, due to debut in 2012. JCS is also developing batteries for BMW’s and Azure Dynamics’ hybrid lines, which will each be available in 2010.
Korean chemical company LG Chem, in partnership with its U.S. subsidiary Compact Power and General Motors (GM), plans to invest $200 million in a new manufacturing facility, creating a projected 300 new jobs. The company is receiving $125.2 million from the state.
LGC-CPI is the battery supplier for GM’s Chevrolet Volt, which aims to be the first mass-produced extended-range electric vehicle. The Volt is scheduled to make its debut in 2010.
KD Advanced Battery Group (KD), a composite of The Dow Chemical Co., Kokam America Inc. and Townsend Ventures LLC, is making the largest capital investment, with a $665 million, 800,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. The joint venture formed for the sole purpose of building and operating the facility, which will produce its patented Superior Lithium Polymer Battery and would likely employ about 885 people.
KD was approved for $144.6 million in tax credits by MEGA.
“The state of Michigan is facilitating growth to address critical needs: sustainable technologies and manufacturing prowess, all at an equally critical time,” said Heinz Haller, executive vice president, Performance Products, The Dow Chemical Co. http://www.costar.com/News/Article.aspx?id=B7F34F063835EBD28A47DA19E66308F9