AP Photo Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer .

LANSING — On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three business expansions in Kalamazoo, Kent and Kalkaska counties. In total, over $31 million in capital investment and the creation of nearly 200 new jobs. ProTec Panel and Truss is expanding in Battle Creek, investing $3 million and creating 50 new jobs. Weiss Technick NA is planning $25.6 million of capital investment along with the creation of 36 new jobs. WarBird Protection will be investing $3 million in Kalkaska while creating 110 new jobs.

“Today’s announcements will build on Michigan’s economic momentum, creating nearly 200 good-paying manufacturing jobs,” Whitmer said. “I want to thank Warbird, Protec, and Weiss Technik for choosing to invest in Michigan. Let’s keep working together to strengthen our economic development tools so we can help more workers and businesses make it in Michigan.”

“We’re growing Michigan’s economy and creating good-paying jobs in communities across our state,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s announcement reinforces Michigan as a leader in manufacturing and innovation. Let’s keep Standing Tall so every innovator and entrepreneur can stay and succeed in Michigan and build the future.”

“Today, we are once again proud to share the exciting news of companies choosing to invest in communities across Michigan–creating new jobs and fueling local economies,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the MEDC. “We continue to see both new businesses drawn to Michigan and homegrown companies expanding here because we have the right economic development tools in place to support and secure these vital investments. We applaud these companies and look forward to their continued growth and prosperity.”

ProTec Panel & Truss Manufacturing, LLC is a manufacturer of engineered wood roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels along with supplying framing lumber packages. They design and build custom engineered components for residential, agricultural, multi-family, and commercial projects using the latest design software and manufacturing equipment.

“Battle Creek is the perfect second location for us,” said Shane Soule, President of ProTec Panel & Truss. “It positions us closer to the heart of Michigan’s growth and gives us better access to legacy manufacturing talent. This move is about more than expanding our reach–it’s about delivering greater value, speed, and support to the partners who count on us.”

Weiss Technik North America (WNA,) is the US market leader of environmental test chambers. From compact chambers designed for the smallest components to expansive walk-in chambers capable of full vehicle testing, WNA offers a comprehensive range of solutions. Their chambers replicate a wide array of climatic conditions, including temperature, humidity, altitude, vacuum, corrosion, dust, and more – simulating any environment from earth to space. These innovative product solutions are trusted by manufacturers nationwide for ensuring product reliability and validation testing.

“This significant investment by the Schunk Group, the parent company of WNA with global headquarters in Germany, underlines our ongoing efforts to develop and build our state-of-the-art products for our U.S. customers, reflecting our commitment to innovation and growth,” said Robert Levert, CEO of WNA. “By further expanding our engineering and manufacturing capacity in the U.S., we’re strengthening our ability to exceed the evolving needs of our U.S. customers with speed, precision, and technical excellence. We are also deeply grateful for the support of Mayor Stephen Kepley, the Kentwood City Council, and the city’s development team, whose efforts helped bring this project to life.”

WarBird Protection Group, Inc. was founded in 2023 with the purpose of developing cutting-edge personal protective products for law enforcement officers, military personnel and sportsman alike.

“This MEDC grant is a powerful endorsement of WarBird’s potential to drive economic growth and fulfill our life-saving mission. This grant will enable us to produce superior body armor and tactical gear, ensuring the safety of those who protect our communities and nation,” said Matt Davis, CEO, WarBird Protection Group, Inc. “Every job created will contribute to the production of equipment that makes a real difference.”