HOLLAND – Global designer, builder and integrator of automation solutions JR Automation Technologies LLC will open a new factory in Holland this week.
The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tokyo-based software giant Hitachi Ltd., announced earlier this month the opening of a 147,000 square foot facility located at 701 Waverly Road, less than 10 miles from its global headquarters at 4190 Sunnyside Drive in the Township of Holland. The company already has seven sites in Holland.
The new facility, located in the former Prince Tech Center, is expected to open on Thursday and will bring many local JR Automation operations together under one roof, company officials said.
JR Automation plans to invest about $ 1 million in renovations, and the expansion is expected to create a “significant number of well-paying jobs over the next two years,” the company said in a statement.
JR Automation manages a total of 28 installations in North America, Europe and Asia.
In Michigan, JR Automation has sites in Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Stevensville and Sterling Heights. Other domestic locations are in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
“Western Michigan and the talented individuals who choose to work at JR Automation are huge contributors to our continued success and expansion in the region,” said Craig Ulrich, CEO of JR Automation, in a statement. “We are grateful to be part of this vibrant business community and appreciate the continued support of (economic development organization) Lakeshore Advantage and the city of Holland as our roots here deepen.
“Western Michigan is a great place to live and work and we are excited to offer new employment opportunities to those new to the workforce and to experienced professionals,” added Ulrich.
The City of Holland recently approved a 12-year, $ 150,000 Industrial Plant Exemption Certificate for the project.
“JR Automation is a real local success story,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage Corp., which works to grow businesses in Allegan and Ottawa counties. “The systems developed by the JR Automation team are sure to equip manufacturers around the world with efficiency and growth. “
