The Michigan Defense Center/MEDC would like to welcome Plasan North America (PNA) to their new West Michigan home.  For the last 6 months, this leading defense contractor has been settling into their new location in Walker, Michigan, bringing over 120 new jobs and $12.3 million in new investment to the state.

Plasan is a leading manufacturer of survivability solutions for ground/ airborne platforms, advanced composite structures and active protection systems for the Department of Defense and other Government Agencies. The company developed key survivability solutions for the MRAP and MAT-V programs that provided lifesaving technology in support of the US Military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

PNA is currently working with US Prime Contractors to develop the next generation of Light Tactical Vehicles (LTV) for the US Army and Marine Corps.  The company plans to utilize the new Michigan operation to support manufacturing of MAT-V, LTV and future Combat Vehicles.

Michigan’s well-established capabilities in engineering, R&D and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. ground and air defense systems will be a strategic advantage for Plasan North America. Michigan is also home to the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, one of the Army’s largest weapon systems research, development, and sustainment organizations. TACOM is responsible for the U.S. Army’s transformation to a lighter, more lethal and survivable force.

The Company plans to hire and train more than 120 professionals over the next 3 years, resulting in an $850,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Vermont, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee.

The Right Place, Michigan’s premier regional economic development agency and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) worked together to develop a business support package that includes a variety of business growth assistance, including worker training through Michigan Works!, local tax abatements in the city of Walker, and a performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program.

“This is great example of a business attraction success leading to future business attraction,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

The new facility, located at 3236 Wilson Drive NW, Walker, Michigan, 49534, will bring together the company’s corporate office, research and development and production resources under one roof.  Plasan North America is co-located with another Plasan company, Plasan Carbon Composites.

“Witnessing the success and support of our sister company, Plasan Carbon Composites, in West Michigan was a significant factor in our decision to locate Plasan North America in Walker,” said Keith Rayborn, President, Plasan US. “The Right Place (economic development agency) and the MEDC were able to assemble the resources and support we needed to bring this project to West Michigan. We are looking forward to establishing roots in the region and begin tapping into the talent and resources West Michigan and Michigan have to offer.”

For information about careers with Plasan North America, visit: http://www.plasan-na.com/