Grand Rapids Reporter

A Walker-based automation solutions provider for manufacturers will make a $5.7 million investment in the expansion of its operations.

Backed by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) stated that Axis Automation chose the Walker site for its expansion over a competing site in Illinois; a recent press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office said.

“Axis Automation is an incredibly experienced team of manufacturing and technology integration professionals,” Jen Wangler, vice president of Technology at The Right Place and project lead, said in the release. “Their decision to stay in the area helps us continue our work of advancing manufacturers through technology integration and establishing our region as the next tech hub of the Midwest. We’re excited that they can continue to grow their team here in West Michigan.”

The expansion is being facilitated by a $500,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant and is expected to facilitate 50 jobs.

“This investment by Axis Automation will bring 50 high-tech manufacturing jobs to Walker and underscores the strength of our talented manufacturing workforce and our attractive business climate,” Whitmer said in the release. “This expansion in Walker cements Axis Automation’s presence in West Michigan and builds on our efforts to ensure Michigan’s innovative manufacturers lead the way in Industry 4.0 technologies and workforce needs. Our future is bright, and investments like this one by Axis Automation will help us continue moving our state forward.”

Axis Automation was created in 2015 in Walker, the release said. The company plans, engineers, develops and constructs state-of-the art instruments such as robotics for a spectrum of industries. Its mission is to lead the use of automation answers that enable people and improve production.

“Congratulations to the team at Axis Automation on your continued growth and success!” Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chair of the MSF Board, said in the release. “We’re pleased to support your expansion in Michigan and appreciate this vote of confidence in the strength of our talented workforce and attractive business climate. We are grateful to the Governor, bi-partisan members of the Legislature and local officials for their continued support of the Jobs Ready Michigan Program, which is designed to respond to specific needs of companies like Axis Automation that are creating high-wage, high-skill jobs for Michiganders. We’re proud to join our local partners to create these high-tech STEM jobs here and look forward to working [with] Axis Automation to grow, add even more jobs, and provide greater employment and entrepreneurial opportunity for our friends and neighbors in West Michigan.”

MEDC collaborated with The Right Place to ensure that Axis continued its growth in the region rather than by out-of-state locations.

“Axis Automation is an incredibly experienced team of manufacturing and technology integration professionals,” Jen Wangler, vice president of Technology at The Right Place and project lead, said in the release. “Their decision to stay in the area helps us continue our work of advancing manufacturers through technology integration and establishing our region as the next tech hub of the Midwest. We’re excited that they can continue to grow their team here in West Michigan.”