Zeeland chosen as new headquarters for global robotics giant JR Automation
The city of Zeeland is set to become the new global headquarters for JR Automation following a $72.8 million investment that is expected to bring 150 new jobs to the community.
ZEELAND — The city of Zeeland is set to become the new global headquarters for JR Automation following a $72.8 million investment that is expected to bring 150 new jobs to the community.
The new facility will serve as a hub for the company, consolidating three existing Michigan locations into one state-of-the-art campus, according to a press release from the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
It is designed to increase efficiency and collaboration for the company's approximately 941 Michigan-based employees and provide an opportunity for co-location with employees from its parent company, Hitachi.
The new headquarters will feature both office space and manufacturing capabilities, the press release indicated.
A boost for local manufacturing
Zeeland's selection as the new global headquarters is a major endorsement of the area's economic strategy, said Mayor Kevin Klynstra. The city was chosen over a location in South Carolina, where JR Automation has an existing facility with space to grow.
“We are very proud to welcome JR Automation to the city of Zeeland. To have them pick our community is an honor. We have been known to be a business-friendly community for many years, and we have given many tax abatements out to industrial and commercial businesses over the years,” Klynstra said. “We hope to have a long and successful relationship with JR Automation.”
Beyond the direct jobs and investment, the project also has a ripple effect on the local economy, he said. The move will free up existing industrial space in nearby Holland, providing room for other growing companies, Klynstra said.
The company aims to create a “sustainable” building which will include solar panels, native prairie landscaping to promote biodiversity and a goal to have its baseline operations powered entirely by renewable energy, the press release indicated.
Klynstra said the headquarters will be a draw for skilled workers and new business, solidifying Zeeland's role in the global automation industry.
Amanda Murray, vice president of business solutions for Lakeshore Advantage said the local community will benefit as well.
"This expansion not only highlights our strength in smart manufacturing, but also strengthens the opportunities available for local families and reinforces the Lakeshore as a thriving place to live and work,” she said.
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JR Automation is a global company that provides automated manufacturing and distribution solutions for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, life sciences and electronics, according to its website.
The company designs, builds and integrates custom robotic systems and other advanced technologies to help manufacturers increase efficiency, speed and flexibility in their operations. With over 2,000 employees and more than 20 facilities across North America, Europe and Asia, JR Automation was acquired by Japanese multinational conglomerate Hitachi in 2019.
Hitachi is one of the world's leading providers of digital innovation and sustainable solutions, focusing on digital systems, energy, mobility and healthcare sectors.
"JR Automation operates across multiple facilities in the Holland area, and establishing our headquarters in Zeeland supports our continued growth and operational needs," said Christine Powers, JR Automation's director of marketing and communications. "Working closely with our project partners, we identified land that could accommodate the scale of our vision while minimizing impact to our team members’ commutes."
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
