STURGIS, MI (WTVB) – Recreational Vehicle manufacturers Cruiser RV and Heartland Recreational Vehicles have received economic development grants from the State of Michigan in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis which are expected to support 450 new jobs in St. Joseph County.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement on Monday. She said, “Michigan’s business climate and highly skilled manufacturing workforce are creating an environment where businesses like Heartland RV and Cruiser RV can thrive and grow, creating good jobs in St. Joseph County. This is great news for workers, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jump start and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like Cruiser RV and Heartland RV, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever.”
According to a press release issued by the Governor’s office, the two projects are expected to generate a total private investment of $35.9 million and create a total of 450 high-wage jobs, each resulting in a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
The Heartland RV expansion is also being supported by a grant of over $307,000 from the state Transportation Economic Development Fund. The grant will help fund infrastructure improvements associated with project.
It was stated in the news release that the two Indiana-based companies chose Michigan for the projects over competing sites in Indiana, primarily because of the availability of skilled workers in the area.
Heartland Recreational Vehicles is based in Elkhart, Indiana while Cruiser RV, which is a subsidiary of Heartland RV is based in Howe, Indiana.
The city of Sturgis is offering property tax abatements in support of the projects, and Southwest Michigan First assisted the companies in identifying sites for the projects. The Michigan Strategic Fund also authorized a State Education Tax Abatement to the Heartland project to be used in conjunction with the local abatement.
In addition, the City of Sturgis is contributing over $165,000 in funding which will be used to rebuild roads in the area and rework drainage.
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