Michigan Governor Announces Grants Supporting 450 RV Jobs

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday announced economic development grants for RV manufacturers Cruiser RV and Heartland Recreational Vehicles in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis. 

The projects are expected to support 450 new jobs in St. Joseph County. 

The projects, identified as Project White and Project Black, were announced in March by the city of Sturgis, with state stipulations preventing details from being released as part of a due-diligence process.

One of the factories will be located at Dresser Industrial Park off South Nottawa Street the other in the industrial park north of Kirsch Municipal Airport.

Whitmer said Michigan’s business climate and manufacturing workforce are creating an environment in which businesses like Heartland RV and Cruiser RV can thrive and grow.

"This is great news for workers, their families and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work," Whitmer said. "With the help of companies like Cruiser RV and Heartland RV, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever.”  

The two projects are expected to generate private investment of $35.9 million and create 450 "high-wage" jobs, resulting in a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. 

The Heartland RV expansion also is being supported by a $307,000 state transportation economic development fund grant to help finance infrastructure improvements associated with project.

The companies chose Michigan for the projects over competing sites in Indiana, primarily because of the availability of skilled workers. 

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Ryan Juday, president of Cruiser RV and Heartland RV, thanked the state, the city of Sturgis and each organization that assisted the company in the process of expansion. 

 “Having access to a strong pool of talent was one of the primary reasons we chose Michigan for these expansions," Juday said. "This is an exciting time and we are proud to invest in a state and region that has been supportive in our mission to expand while providing excellent employment opportunities to the community.”   

Read the full article from Sturgis Journal here.