LANSING — Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) lauded the decision of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Grand Rapids-based economic development agency The Right Place and the city of Grand Rapids to give a $300,000 grant to Grand Rapids-based Firstronic LLC, a circuit board manufacturer for the medical, automotive and industrial industries. The grant will offset a $2.45 million investment to install new, high-tech equipment and make building renovations. As a result, 110 jobs, ranging from entry-level assembly operators to engineers, will be created at the company.
“Grand Rapids will be economically stronger because of this grant,” Brinks said. “These entry-level and highly skilled jobs will support families and attract more economic growth to our area. I’m grateful that the city, state and local business community worked together to make this grant possible.”
Firstronic was formed in 2009, when two individuals bought the company from its former German parent company. The company also considered sites in Mexico and China before deciding to invest in its Grand Rapids facility, where it currently has 68 employees. The city of Grand Rapids is also considering offering the company a tax abatement to further offset the cost of its expansion.
“I look forward to the growth of Firstronic and the success of its employees in Grand Rapids,” Brinks said. “Firstronic’s decision to expand here is a testament to our business community and the quality of workers in Grand Rapids.”