ALMA -- The Following is a message from Alma Products Co. with a reaction from U.S. Senator Kahn following:
Alma Products Co:
Alma Products Company announced today an expansion of its existing manufacturing operations adjacent to the Alma Industrial Park in Alma, Gratiot County, Michigan with the addition of equipment and building modifications.
Alma Products Co, a subsidiary of ETX, Inc., is a manufacturer and remanufacturer of air conditioning compressors, torque converters, clutch & disc assemblies, and transmissions. In addition to Alma Products Company, ETX, Inc. owns three additional automotive parts companies:
ATCO Products, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, DACCO, Inc. in Cookeville, Tennessee, and ETX
Transmissions, Inc in Mundelein, Illinois. ETX, Inc. will relocate the majority of its
Mundelein, Illinois transmission remanufacturing operations to Alma, expanding and
diversifying Alma’s product portfolio to include additional domestic and import model
automotive transmissions as well as heavy-duty commercial and industrial transmissions for
the aftermarket.
Alma Products expects to create approximately 76 direct local jobs by the end of this year through the $1.9 million expansion project, the majority of which will be filled by laid off Alma Products employees. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation estimates increased economic activity will create an additional 82 indirect jobs in the area.
Alan Gatlin, President and CEO of ETX, Inc., notes, “We are proud to be expanding on the 65 year history of
automotive parts production at Alma Products. The skilled and dedicated employees at Alma Products, with the support of
our local and state officials, give us the confidence necessary to make this investment. I would specifically like to recognize
Don Schurr and the staff of Greater Gratiot Development, Inc., Mel Nyman and Phil Moore from the City of Alma, the staff of
the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Economic Growth Authority Board for their support in
this project.”
Phillip Moore, Alma City Manager, comments, “We are very pleased and proud that Alma Products decided to grow in
Alma- their home town. This investment will create jobs in our community. Over the years, Alma Products has proven to be
a great corporate citizen. We look forward to working with the Alma Products management team.”
Governor Jennifer Granholm announced the State of Michigan’s support for the expansion in the form of a Michigan
Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) Credit valued at $937,196 over 7 years. The City of Alma has proposed local tax
incentives including an Industrial Tax Abatement on all new building modifications and equipment.
Don Schurr, President of Greater Gratiot Development, Inc, explains, “Over the past couple of years, Alma Products
has been exploring market diversification, utilizing new manufacturing technology and employing lean manufacturing
strategies. These efforts have allowed the company to move forward; this project is the result of hard work by many
people.” The company will begin renovations on its building and installation of equipment immediately.
Al Victoria, General Manager of Alma Products, states, “We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure a smooth
operational transition. However, our employees are up to the challenge and understand what this program means to the
State of Michigan.”
Senator Kahn:
After hearing that Alma Products Company plans to expand its Alma operation and create 76 jobs, Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, offered the following comment:
"This is fantastic news for Alma Products, the entire Alma area and all of Gratiot County. I commend the company’s decision to diversify its product lineup and expand in Alma.
"Gratiot County is a great place to do business and call home. I’m glad to see that Alma Products and its parent company ETX, Inc., value our hard-working people."
According to the Greater Gratiot Development, Inc., Alma Products, a subsidiary of ETX, Inc., manufactures and remanufactures air conditioning compressors, torque converters, clutch & disc assemblies and transmissions.
