ESCANABA, Michigan (WLUC) – A Wisconsin company is expanding its manufacturing facility in Escanaba with the help of a state grant.
MOTIS Brands is the parent company of over a dozen outdoor recreation equipment and gear manufacturers, including Escanaba-based Race Ramps, whose manufacturing center is located on North 23rd Street.
MOTIS recently relocated its Southern California business, Elasco Products, to the Escanaba facility. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded the company a $75,000 grant to support the expansion.
“This investment supports a strategy that will help them create unique and highly paid jobs that offer a living wage,” said Vicki Schwab, MEDC’s executive director. “MOTIS supports employee personal development through training and comprehensive benefits. This product will bring advanced manufacturing jobs to the local economy and solidify the company’s presence and future business in the region.”
The total capital investment of $675,000 will be used for building improvements and new equipment.
“The move to Escanaba was a strategic move to centralize our manufacturing centers,” said Andy Knauer, MOTIS’s operations manager, in an email to TV6. “We will continue to invest in the facility and create more jobs. We also expect rapid growth.”
The building manager said Elasco’s move to Escanaba was completed on July 31. Both Elasco and Race Ramps are hiring additional employees for the second shift.
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