Saginaw Future Fall News

SAGINAW FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Fall 2017

In the 3rd quarter of 2017, Saginaw Future Inc. (SFI) directly assisted six projects resulting in more than $10.5 million in new investment that is expected to create and retain 98 jobs. In addition, ten regional companies won 175 government contracts valued at more than $9.3 million.

CIGNYS is a high end machining, fabricating, paint and assembly operation, with a large portion of its business currently focused on the defense industry. The company is also active in specific niche segments for the automotive and general industrial markets. Established in 1919, the company is poised for significant growth and is acquiring state of the art machining centers and pallet feed systems. CIGNYS will invest $6 million and add 50 new jobs to support existing business and grow in the aerospace market. The new jobs will be located in both its Bridgeport Charter Township location and City of Saginaw headquarters. Saginaw Future assisted the company by helping to secure a $200,000 Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. CIGNYS is also being considered for Going Pro funding for workforce training through assistance from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works and the state.

Star of the West Milling Company is constructing a new mill feed and load-out system and storage facility. The company is also purchasing related equipment for a total investment of $2.8 million. The new facility is located at its downtown Frankenmuth site and will allow for the indoor storage of finished product and loading, which is currently taking place externally. It will allow for better efficiencies and quality control and handling. Saginaw Future assisted the company and the City of Frankenmuth with a tax abatement application on real property improvements. As a result of the project, 35 jobs will be retained. Star of the West has five flour mills in four different states and nine country elevators handling corn, soybeans, and processing edible beans. The daily flour milling capacity now stands at 19,900 cwts (Hundred Weights), making Star of the West the 17th largest miller in the United States.

Rockstar Uniforms Sport-Tee owner, Heidi Kalmar, has recently purchased Unique Uniforms. Sport-Tee® provides custom screen printing and embroidery. It is a woman owned and operated business founded in 2003. It caters to several of the area schools and colleges. Unique Uniforms provides uniforms to professional healthcare service providers. SFI is assisting with Woman Owned Business certification, marketing and registrations to do business with municipalities.

K2 Stoneworks purchased a facility located at 5195 Dixie Highway in Bridgeport. Saginaw Future assisted K2 with site location when the company sought to purchase rather than lease space. K2 Stoneworks oversees the fabrication of granite, limestone and quartz used for interior and exterior products in residential and commercial applications. Its portfolio includes the granite signage for the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery.

Frankenmuth Credit Union is redeveloping a former gas station located at the corner of M-47 and Main St. In Tittabawassee Township and will be opening a new branch. The project includes demolition of the existing building and the construction of an approximately 2,200 sq. ft. building and drive-thru lanes. Saginaw Future processed the Brownfield plan through Tittabawassee Township and the County of Saginaw. The plan will allow for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) capture for eligible costs including demolition and removal of contamination on site. Demolition began in August with subsequent construction currently underway. Frankenmuth Credit Union is expected to invest $1.4 million and create and retain up to six jobs. The expansion will return the underutilized property back to productive use and eliminate an eyesore at a major intersection in the community.

Saginaw Future PTAC assisted ten regional companies secure 175 government contracts in the third quarter worth more than $9.3 million. Impacted industries include construction, aerospace and specialty manufacturing. The SFI Procurement Technical Assistance Center provides free assistance to companies interested in federal, state and local government contracts. Call 989-757-2105 or email ptac@saginawfuture.com.

Harry W. Browne Airport completed a $2 million runway project, including a runway extension and rehabilitation. The project included tree trimming easements for the runway protection zone. The county-owned, public-use airport located in Buena Vista Charter Township houses 57 aircraft, including helicopters. Harry W. Browne Airport covers an area of 293 acres and has two asphalt paved runways.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region will lease the former Junior Achievement building located at 1781 Fordney and will be the club’s third site in the Saginaw area. Saginaw Future worked closely with the City of Saginaw, the YMCA, and Spence Brothers Construction on several different ideas for the building before ultimately selecting the Boys & Girls Club project.

Director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development

Roger Curtis recently spoke to local leaders on the state’s efforts to retain and attract workforce talent, which was hosted by Morley Companies, Inc. www.michigan.gov/ted

Nominations for the 2018 Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards program are officially open, including the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award! Why nominate a company for MCSB? Awardees of the program receive significant statewide exposure. The award says to customers, vendors and peers that the company is one to do business with. Submitting a nomination is easy, and self-nomination is encouraged. Visit www.MichiganCelebrates.biz to get started! Saginaw Future is proud to be an official Community Partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business and is committed to championing the success of our state’s entrepreneurs.