Holland, MI – Mission Design & Automation (“Mission”), a Holland-based leading industrial automation and robotics integrator, is building a new manufacturing facility to increase engineering and machine build capacity. The new facility, located at 9696 Black River Court in Holland, is the first expansion for Mission and will house new large-scale automation projects. Currently under construction through Grand Rapids’ based Pioneer Construction, the facility is set to be fully moved in by July 2021.

“Bringing work to West Michigan allows us to continue to support the community through partnerships with local universities and high schools through co-op and apprenticeship programs.” said Ryan Lillibridge, Mission’s Director of Business Development. “It also means more high-tech employment opportunities for our community. Our customers are the reason we are successful, and this facility with its dedicated space for R&D and larger machine capacity will allow us to improve manufacturing processes for our customers and provide the collaborative spaces required to develop the solutions they need now and in the future.”

“Mission Design’s investment in Holland will create good-paying jobs and help us continue our economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “This expansion in Holland cements Mission Design’s presence in West Michigan and adds momentum to our efforts to ensure Michigan’s incredible manufacturers lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and workforce needs. Our future is bright, and thanks to companies like Mission Design, I know we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever before.”

Mission’s expansion includes a total investment of over $5 million and is anticipated to create at least 109 new jobs in West Michigan, with competitive wages and additional benefits offered by the company. Mission is hiring for various positions, including mechanical engineers, controls engineers, applications engineers, machine builders, and more. The new build will encompass over 50,000 sq. ft of manufacturing floor and office space.

“West Michigan is a hotspot for Industry 4.0. With over 40% of our region’s GDP coming from manufacturing, the customer base is here, and the significant growth local automation solutions providers are experiencing is proof that area manufacturers are adopting smart manufacturing processes,” said Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President. “Jobs of the future, on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology, are available right here at innovative automation companies including Mission Design & Automation, and their customers who implement these tech solutions. We congratulate Mission Design & Automation on their future focus and growth in our region.”

Lakeshore Advantage, the local economic development organization that assists employers with growth opportunities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, connected the company with state and local resources to support their growth.

The Michigan Strategic Fund is also supporting this project with an estimated $400,000 grant for job training through their Jobs Ready Michigan program administered by the MEDC. The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the specific talent needs of companies and to address the costs associated with recruiting and training individuals for occupations that are high-wage, high-skill, or high-demand. Due to the significant rapid advancements in technologies in the industrial automation space, the Jobs Ready Michigan support for training expense will continue powering West Michigan as the home of the nation’s industrial automation sector.

“Mission Design’s continued growth in Michigan reinforces Michigan as the place where manufacturing and technology converge,” said MEDC Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “We’re pleased to work with Lakeshore Advantage and other local partners to support the growth of Mission Design in Michigan, and look forward to working with them as we continue to work with manufacturers across the state on Industry 4.0 readiness.”

West Michigan Works! Will also be providing $382,220 in Jobs Training Assistance to support the increase in employment Mission will experience due to their growth.

“West Michigan Works! is pleased to support Mission’s growth and applaud their commitment to providing training opportunities for their workers. A skilled workforce supports not just the employer, but our communities and makes West Michigan a great place to live and work.” said Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!

Holland Charter Township will be considering support for Mission’s expansion in the form of a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption at a meeting on June 3. On Mission’s expansion, Terry Nienhuis, Holland Township Supervisor said, “The growth occurring at Mission Design and Automation is exciting. The Township is pleased to support this expansion and the benefits it will provide.”

“We are grateful for the partnership with the MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage, West Michigan Works!, and Holland Township who have made this possible, and for what the growth at Mission facilitates for the community, employees, and our customers.” said Scot Lindemann, Mission CEO.