LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced five business expansion projects in Southeast Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. In total, these projects will represent nearly $40 million in capital investment across Michigan and create 392 jobs across mobility, electric vehicle, and Industry 4.0 industries.
“Today’s projects will create 392 jobs and drive nearly $40 million of investment in Southeast Michigan and the UP,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have secured 37,000 auto jobs, and our momentum continues to grow. We will keep our foot on the accelerator to lead the future of manufacturing, create good paying jobs for Michiganders, and keep bringing critical supply chains home. Together, we will keep showing the world that Michigan is the best place to live, work, and invest.”
“Today is a great day indeed, and clearly shows that Team Michigan continues to bring investments to the state driving a diverse economic landscape, ensuring people have access to jobs, helping build vibrant communities, and driving Michigan to be a stronger, more resilient state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We applaud the commitments from these companies knowing that they can thrive by Making it in Michigan.”
Motis LLC, dba Racer Ramps Relocating its California operations to Escanaba, Creating 9 Jobs
Motis LLC, dba Race Ramps, founded in Escanaba in 2004, plans to bring its Southern California operations to Escanaba and establish a specialty manufacturing center of excellence.
Race Ramps was acquired by Motis, a producer of a wide range of products for the powersport, medical, recreational, commercial, transportation, military, and industry markets, in 2019. Since then, Race Ramps has nearly doubled its revenue, with 25 Michiganders currently employed in Escanaba.
The new facility will use advanced polyurethane materials to form various hoses and cords that are used to protect equipment that transports liquids and electricity. The materials used are entirely domestically sourced, resulting in a 100-percent U.S.-produced product.
“The MEDC’s support of an expansion project for Motis, LLC (Race Ramps) continues to put the spotlight on the area’s manufacturing capabilities,” said Ed Legault, Executive Director, Delta County Economic Development Alliance. “The $75,000 grant provides significant investment into a strategy that will help create a specialized manufacturing center of excellence in Escanaba. The grant supporting the expansion will create nine new jobs at the Race Ramps Escanaba facility.”
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $675,000 and create up to nine jobs with the support of a $75,000 Micro Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Wisconsin because of the strength of Michigan’s workforce.
“Motis is extremely proud of the work that is being done in our Escanaba facility. The Race Ramps branded products produced in that facility are known all over the world as a premium product for automobile displaying, storage and transport,” said Kurt Kappeler, Chief Financial Officer, Motis Brands. “We are excited to partner with the MEDC to invest in that facility to expand into the production of our Elasco branded products. The investment from the MEDC will be used for building improvements and the purchase of state-of-the-art high pressure molding equipment.”
Race Ramps supports the personal growth of its employees with additional training opportunities and full benefits. The project will bring advanced manufacturing jobs to the region and will solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state.
The Delta County Economic Development Alliance has offered a property tax abatement in support of the project. Information on careers with Race Ramps can be found here.
