The Right Place attracts innovative defense contra

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regional economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., along with its local and state partners, today announced that a leading defense contractor, Plasan North America, is relocating to Walker, Michigan, bringing over 120 new jobs and $12.3 million in new investment to West Michigan.

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 will lease space in the building, near 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 and the MEDC were able to assemble the resources and support we needed to bring this project to West Michigan."

The Right Place worked with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) 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. The State of Michigan and West Michigan competed against several other U.S. locations, including the highly-competitive states of Texas and Tennessee.

"This is great example of a business attraction success leading to future business attraction," said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. "This is why it is so important that The Right Place continues to work with companies once they decide on West Michigan."

"Plasan Carbon Composites has called the City of Walker home for their manufacturing operations since 2012," said Mayor Huizenga, Walker City Mayor. "The City is pleased to now welcome their defense operations to Walker. Walker is committed to being a business friendly community, we have no greater testimony to our business friendly environment than our businesses that continue to grow and thrive in the city."

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.

"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," said Rayborn.

"This new announcement is why Spectrum Health and over 250 area businesses invest in and support The Right Place," said Richard Breon, President and CEO, Spectrum Health and Chair of The Right Place, Inc. "The jobs and companies The Right Place is bringing to West Michigan position our region as a global destination for business success."

About The Right Place, Inc.

The Right Place, Inc. is a regional non-profit economic development organization founded in 1985 and supported through investments from the private and public sector. Its mission is to promote economic growth in the areas of quality employment, productivity and technology in West Michigan by developing jobs through leading business retention, expansion and attraction efforts. For more information visit: www.rightplace.org

About Plasan North America

Plasan North America, Inc. 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 leased facilities in Walker, MI to support manufacturing of MAT-V, LTV and future Combat Vehicles, adjacent to its sister company Plasan Carbon Composites' facility. 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 has offered support to the project in the form of staff time and resources. For information about careers with Plasan North America, visit: http://www.plasan-na.com/

Tim Mroz (616) 881.1038