Commonwealth Associates new headquarters in Downtown Jackson. JTV photo.
(March 3, 2023 12:20 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce two business expansion projects expected to create a total of 140 new jobs and generate private investment of $10.4 million have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The projects are in Jackson and Warren.
“Today’s expansions in Jackson and Warren by Commonwealth Associates and Home Depot will create and support 140 new good-paying jobs and build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs. Our bipartisan economic development tools helped us bring home $17 billion of projects securing 15,500 jobs.”
Commonwealth Associates, Inc., headquartered in Jackson, is an electrical engineering consulting firm whose primary services include engineering and design, consulting, and planning and studies. The company also provides expert licensing and design services for power generation, electric distribution line, transmission line, and substation projects, plus projects involving renewable energy. Inc
Commonwealth continues to grow as it expands into new industries and locations. The company has purchased and renovated the recently vacated four-story Comerica Bank facility in downtown Jackson that will serve as its new headquarters facility and showroom for customers.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $4.2 million and create 60 engineering and office management jobs, supported by a $400,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Texas and an additional proposal over hiring non-Michigan residents and having them work remotely.
“Commonwealth’s legacy began in downtown Jackson over 100 years ago,” said Commonwealth President and CEO Richard N. Collins. “The opportunity to repurpose an existing building – a building that Commonwealth designed in the 1950s – in the heart of downtown and become integral with the revitalization of the community is a long-term goal about to be realized.”
The project will create 60 well-paying professional and corporate services jobs in a geographically disadvantaged region of the state. In addition, the project will bring 120 existing jobs, significantly increasing density in downtown Jackson and adding to the tax base.
“It’s exciting to see another business move from a neighboring township into the city of Jackson,” said City Manager Jonathan Greene. “Commonwealth’s relocation reflects the forward momentum of our community and shows the city’s business-friendly efforts are making an impact.”
The City of Jackson Brownfield Redevelopment Authority also received MSF approval of $203,183 in state tax capture for reimbursement of brownfield activities at the site. The city of Jackson is supporting the project through approval of local tax capture.
For information on careers with Commonwealth, visit https://www.cai-engr.com/careers.
“It’s great to see a local company thriving and willing to reinvest in our community,” said Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson). “This project fills a vacant building in downtown Jackson with good, well-paying jobs. I’m excited to see the impact this could have on other nearby businesses.”
“Commonwealth Associates continues to show its commitment to Jackson and its residents with this project, which will renovate existing space, create new jobs, and increase economic activity downtown,” said Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). “Commonwealth Associates is already an important part of the vibrant Jackson community, and I am excited about this joint investment with the State of Michigan here in Jackson, making it an even better place to work, live, and raise a family.”
In the other jobs expansion in the announcement, Home Depot is constructing a new distribution center in Warren, creating 80 jobs.
“The decisions by these companies to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem and further demonstrate Team Michigan’s commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects are wins for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators of both parties and local officials for their continued support of our efforts. “
