L'ANSE - Thanks to a state tax credit, a L'Anse facility will retain and create new jobs in addition to producing ceiling tiles.
CertainTeed Ceilings Corp. has been awarded a $3.1 million state tax credit for an expansion. The Pennsylvania-based company, a manufacturer and global distributor of acoustical ceiling systems, will invest $7.6 million to relocate operations from Mississippi to its facility in L'Anse. The move will retain at least 271 Michigan jobs by 2021, including 109 directly at the company, according to a press release from the office of State Representative Mike Lahti, D-Hancock.
In an interview, Lahti applauded the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their efforts.
"It's a good job they've done on this one and we appreciate CertainTeed's continued strong presence in Baraga County and the faith they have in remaining in Michigan," he said.
CertainTeed Ceilings Director of Operations Robert Gladwish said in an e-mail interview his company is pleased with the credit.
"We are extremely grateful to Governor Jennifer Granholm, the Governor's staff, the State of Michigan, and the Michigan Economic Growth Authority for providing us with these grants," he said. "They will assist in helping us to make improvements, bring in new product lines, and eventually, as the commercial construction market comes back, create new jobs for the state and the village of L'Anse."
The plant hopes to hire 30 new employees, both hourly and salaried, starting this month, Gladwish said. Additionally, he said the expansion will improve the facility.
"The expansion will start immediately and take place over the next three years," he said. "Much of the capital equipment changes will improve or replace key pieces of production equipment in order to increase the overall capacity and productivity of the plant. The plant already produces high-quality ceiling tiles and these upgrades will make them even better. These projects will improve the energy efficiency of the plant and demonstrate our commitment to respecting the local environment."
Additionally, infrastructure will be improved for the company.
"The village of L'Anse and the Michigan (Department of Transportation) are coordinating the infrastructures upgrades," he said. "CertainTeed appreciates the efforts that both groups have made to make it easier for us to be an efficient manufacturer in Michigan."
Village of L'Anse Manager Bob LaFave said the infrastructure upgrades will likely include turn lanes on U.S. 41 and replacing a bridge built in 1918 over the Falls River, he said. He said the upgrades will be funded by the State of Michigan and Community Development Block Grant monies.
"That's going to help the village out a great deal because we certainly at this point in time don't have the monies available to make those types of upgrades on our own," he said.
LaFave said the village is happy the company chose to keep the L'Anse facility in operation.
"We're just really excited to have them stay here," he said. "They will actually be making this facility that is here in L'Anse their global center for making the ceiling tile products that they make."
Layla Aslani can be reached at laslani@mininggazette.com.
