$65 million in state investment to generate or retain jobs

BYLINE: Eric Morath

Investments totaling $65 million are expected to create or retain 690 jobs in Michigan, state officials announced Tuesday. The five projects announced by Gov. Jennifer Granholm:

¥ Warren-based Gentz Aerospace Production LLC is planning a $3.7 million expansion that is expected to create 125 new jobs. Gentz manufactures and repairs components for propeller and jet aircraft and helicopters. Tax credits of $1.08 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. encouraged the 169-employee company to stay in Warren rather than move to Kansas.

¥ Tesla Motors Inc. plans to invest $47.7 million to build a new research and engineering center in Rochester Hills, rather than South Carolina. The project will create 76 jobs. Tesla, an electric car manufacturer, received a $602,000 tax break.

¥ Eaton Corp. will invest $1 million to consolidate operations in Jackson and retain 364 jobs in the state.

¥ ParkingCamera Inc. will invest $4.6 million to put a 155-person customer service center in Flint.

¥ The city of Mt. Pleasant will renovate downtown buildings, which is expected to create $8.2 million in additional investment and create 15 jobs.

The 690 direct jobs are expected to create or retain a spinoff of 1,100 more.