BY EVENING NEWS AND AP STAFF
Tenneco Automotive won state tax credits worth more than $1.8 million Tuesday that will help it create 185 jobs in southeastern Michigan during the next year, including some at its operations in Monroe Township.
The Michigan Economic Growth Authority granted the tax credit in response to a company plan to invest up to $15.6 million to consolidate its facilities in the U.S.
Under the plan, its operatoins in Monroe, Grass Lake, Marshall and Litchfield will focus on design, engineering and manufacturing of diesel emissions-control products.
“I am pleased that Tenneco Automotive was selected to receive this tax credit,” said state Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe. “The company’s decision to consolidate its operations will provide economic growth opportunities and muchneeded jobs for southeastern Michigan.”
The project is estimated to produce 684 jobs. Currently, Tenneco employs 1,461 individuals in Michigan.
Tenneco makes ride-control and emission-control parts for gasoline, hybrid and diesel-powered vehicles. It had its beginnings in Monroe with development of the Monroe shock absorber and now has an original-equipment headquarters in Monroe Township.
The tax credit was among 10 the state approved Tuesday, including a business support company’s proposal to create more than 1,900 jobs in Southfield and a health care company’s plans to hire about 1,000 in Flint.
The MEGA board approved a $9.1 million tax break over four years for Farmington Hills-based Minacs Group USA to invest $11 million in expanding at a new facility in Southfield. The project would include call centers and other services.
The board also approved a $61.5-million tax credit over 18 years for Flint Townshipbased Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy. The company plans to spend $12 million to move its headquarters to nearby Flint and expand in part of the Great Lakes Technology Centre, a former manufacturing and office complex.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the projects represent efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond manufacturing.
“Our aggressive diversification strategy is paying off,” she said. “Very few places have the one-two punch of a competitive business climate and highly skilled work force like Michigan that can attract new investment.”
Among other projects, PSCU Financial Services was granted a $3.5 million tax break over five years to encourage the financial service provider to invest up to $12 million to expand in Auburn Hills, creating more than 830 jobs.
The board approved a $4.6 million tax credit over five years for a proposal from Somerset, N.J.-based GalaxE. Solutions, an information technology company, that includes investing $4.2 million and hiring 500 people in Detroit.
The board also backed manufacturers, including a $5.6 million credit over seven years for auto parts maker Magna International Inc. to spend $49.2 million and create about 500 jobs.
■ 10 projects in the state got tax breaks, including the nearly $2 million for diesel emissions-control products that will mean more jobs in the Monroe area.
