KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. -- Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two economic development projects in Kalamazoo County.

In Portage, TST of Portage, LLC (what do we do) has received funding to develop a new manufacturing facility, and in Schoolcraft, Forming USA (what do we do), to establish sales and manufacturing facilities.

“Today’s investments in Kalamazoo County will create 64 good-paying jobs and grow our manufacturing economy,” said Gov. Whitmer.

TST received approval of an Act 381 Work Plan to develop a new manufacturing facility in the city of Portage. The project involves the partial demolition of an approximately 34,000-square-foot structure and the construction of a new, 43,000-square-foot facility on the same property.

The project will include space for future tenants.

The company considered locations in Minnesota and Indiana but ultimately chose Michigan because of the state’s support.

Also part of the project, Forming USA, LLC, a Swiss based manufacturer of cold-rolled steel profiles, is setting up a sales and manufacturing facility in Schoolcraft to support and possibly expand their customer base.

“Forming is extremely excited about the opportunity to open a steel roll forming manufacturing facility in Michigan. We are very grateful to Schoolcraft Township, the State of Michigan, Southwest Michigan First, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their assistance in this process,” said Joel Schipper, Managing Director of Forming USA. “We look forward to continuing these strong collaborations in the future as well. It’s fantastic to be able to give back to the community, bringing jobs and continued economic growth to the area.”

According to the Governor's office, the two new developments will be a significant step towards creating new job opportunities and capital investment in the region.

The new TST facility will be in construction over the course of five to ten years, starting construction on a 50,000-square-foot facility on the 38-acre site in 2025.