Andrews Tours Southwest Michigan Automation Facility

Representative discusses ‘Make it in Michigan’ budget with business stakeholders

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mich., Sept. 11, 2023 — State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) sat down with business owners and local officials today for a roundtable discussion at Edgewater Automation’s main facility in St. Joseph. The leaders and entrepreneurs discussed how the “Make it in Michigan” budget will help spur manufacturing growth around the state.

 

“I’m proud of the work my colleagues in Lansing and I have done this year to promote economic growth and job creation. In 2023 alone, Michigan has secured billions in investments, and unemployment is at a historic low,” Andrews said. “We’re not going to take our foot off the gas, though. That’s why these conversations are so important — I’m always ready to listen to how we can support businesses and Michigan’s working families as they ‘make it in Michigan.’”

 

“Michigan has long been a leader in manufacturing thanks to the innovative spirit of companies like Edgewater Automation,” said Mark Lemoine, board chair of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday. “To remain competitive, however, we need a responsive state government that recognizes and addresses barriers to growth, reinvests our tax dollars in a responsible manner and, most importantly, empowers free enterprise to pave the way for sustained growth and prosperity. In many ways, the recent ‘Make it in Michigan’ budget does that; it reinvests in priorities like public safety, housing, broadband, child care and, crucially, in strengthening our talent pipeline so that quality employers like Edgewater can attract and retain the kind of talent that allows them to compete — and win — in a global economy.”

 

“Edgewater Automation is poised for growth, and we’re proud to be focused on expanding our company’s Southwest Michigan operations as new and existing companies are developing their products and approaching start-of-production in their facilities right here in Michigan,” Edgewater Automation Managing Director Tim Tate said. “We appreciate the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and their approval of a wide range of manufacturing projects and their willingness to support the many other actions that will further strengthen Michigan’s economy.

 

“Edgewater Automation is an exciting company located in Berrien County. Our region has the talented workforce and manufacturing know-how to support companies who are leading the way and investing in their companies.  We are strengthening our position to support the ‘Make it in Michigan’ initiatives by expanding our leadership, investing in our employees and our facilities as well as supporting Michigan’s initiatives that will ensure long-term sustainability for manufacturing growth.”

 

After the roundtable, Andrews toured Edgewater’s St. Joseph facility. The company, founded in St. Joseph in 2001, designs and builds custom automation systems to help manufacturers achieve their production goals. During its successful two decades of operation, Edgewater has successfully expanded their business by opening facilities in Buchanan, Mich., and Spartanburg, S.C., along with a sales office in California.