Zoetis, LLC expanding operations, adding 59 new jobs in Kalamazoo, Calhoun Counties · SJS Electric expanding, adding 60 jobs in Calhoun County
Thursday, October 5, 2023
LANSING, Mich. –The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced business expansion projects in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Ottawa and Kent Counties, which in total are expected to generate nearly $153 million in capital investment and create 236 new high-tech jobs, have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“Michigan is on the move, and making great things happen in high-tech industries. We applaud the efforts of these companies and their commitment to Making it in Michigan,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “Working with our local partners and businesses across the state helps continue our efforts to focus on people, places, and projects to ensure economic prosperity for all.”
Zoetis, LLC is a global leader in animal health medicines and vaccines, with a focus on both livestock and companion animals. The company was a business unit of Pfizer, Inc. for more than 60 years and since 2013, as an independent public company, has been committed to enhancing the health of animals and bringing solutions to the customers who raise and care for them.
Zoetis is expecting to launch a new product and plans to expand its facility in the city of Kalamazoo, where it will construct a two-story building consisting of manufacturing, lab, support, and packaging space, as well as growing their presence in Southwest Michigan with a new leased location in Battle Creek. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of at least $115 million and will create future well-paying jobs in addition to 1,500 jobs currently in Kalamazoo, with the support of a $295,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over other global sites. This investment will bring Zoetis’ total investment in Kalamazoo County to approximately $400 million in recent years. This project highlights the state’s efforts to position Michigan as a leader in the life sciences and medical device industry, further helping to make Michigan a top-tier location for life sciences development and manufacturing.
Zoetis believes in promoting from within and offers numerous development opportunities to its employees that allow them to grow their skill sets. The project will bring 59 life sciences and corporate services jobs to the area and will solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state.
“We are excited to see the continued growth of the animal health legacy at Zoetis in Kalamazoo. The expansion of their manufacturing facility is a showcase of the strength of Michigan’s life science industry,” said Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First. “The collaboration shown by the State, city of Kalamazoo, and workforce partners to secure this project is a great example of getting it done and leading to the creation of more than 50 jobs for the citizens in our region.”
“Battle Creek Unlimited congratulates Zoetis on their expansion and is thrilled that Battle Creek’s speculative building development and Foreign Trade Zone #43 played a small role in Zoetis choosing to expand in the region,” said Joe Sobieralski, President and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited. “Their growing footprint into Battle Creek is a great addition to our community. We look forward to working with them for many years to come.”
The city of Kalamazoo has also approved a 50-percent property tax abatement in support of the project. Learn more about careers with Zoetis.
SJS Electric VDC is spinoff of SJS Electric, a traditional electrical contractor. Headquartered in Battle Creek, the company provides virtual design of electrical systems for buildings, a service that complements the structural blueprints that an architect would design. The company currently has 23 employees, 12 of which are in Battle Creek.
SJS is at capacity at its Battle Creek location and plans to expand to allow for additional employees. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $902,000 and create 60 specialized engineering design and development jobs with the support of a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Texas and Virginia because of the existing training program the company already has in place in Battle Creek. The project will help solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state of Michigan.
Joe Sobieralski, President & CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), remarked, “We are pleased that SJS has chosen to expand their business here in Battle Creek. This is a rapidly growing company with an innovative service that is a great fit for our community. We look forward to seeing them grow in the coming years.”
“We are proud to be part of the Battle Creek community. Everyone here has been supportive of our overall vision since Day 1. Together we are bringing opportunities for talented folks right here in Battle Creek,” SJS CEO Jason Sisum said. “SJS will continue to push to be world class in our industry and provide our customers with the best service by utilizing the best local talent right here in Southwest Michigan. Special thanks to the MEDC, BCU, Kellogg Community College, the City of Battle Creek, and Michigan Works! They all worked very hard to make this happen, and we are thankful our relationships with these people.”
SJS received a grant from the City of Battle Creek’s Small Business Development team, which provided equipment for training new employees. BCU is providing relocation support through its Talent Retention, Attraction, and Inclusion iNcentive (TRAIN) Program as well as follow-up support. SJS will also receive assistance from Kellogg Community College, which administers the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, and Michigan Works! Southwest, which provides support for recruiting, screening, and training workers. Learn more about careers with SJS Electric VDC.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2023/10/new-jobs/
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
