Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan

Grupo Aernnova, which designs and produces aeronautical structures and components, will locate a major engineering facility in Pittsfield Township. After visiting sites throughout Washtenaw County, the firm selected Pittsfield Township over competing sites in the County and in 15 states. Governor Granholm announced the firm’s location in Pittsfield on September 18, at a press conference attended by officials from Grupo Aernnova, Spain, Ann Arbor SPARK, and Pittsfield Township.

Pittsfield officials have worked closely with Ann Arbor SPARK to encourage the high-tech firm to locate here. A spokesman for the firm noted our quality of life as a factor in its selection of Valley Ranch Business Park on Oak Valley Drive for its new, state-of-the-art aerospace engineering center. With assistance offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the company will invest approximately $10 million in the project that is expected to create up to 1,257 new Michigan jobs, including up to 600 directly by the company.

Those attending the Governor’s press conference included Grupo Aernnova Chairman and CEO Iñaki López Gandásegui; Ambassador Javier Rupérez, Consul General of Spain in Chicago; Pittsfield Township Supervisor Walter, Clerk Meyer, and Treasurer Lirones; Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Michael A. Finney; MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito; and University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman.

Chairman Gandásegui called the new headquarters “the latest element of the significant presence that Aernnova intends to establish in the important North American aerospace marketplace. The new center intends to tap the substantial engineering talent pool that exists in this area, including collaborations with the excellent local universities. Initially, the center will focus on supporting the commercial aerospace structural requirements of major U.S. and European aircraft manufacturers; long-term goals include supporting U.S. aerospace defense programs. Ultimately, we anticipate expansion into renewable resource technologies, capitalizing on the extensive experience that Aernnova has in this market.”

“The fact that we beat 15 other states for this engineering center speaks volumes about our state and our efforts to transform and diversify our economy,” Epolito said. “I applaud Ann Arbor SPARK and Pittsfield Township for working with us to make a strong business case to win this project and the high-tech jobs it will create.”

The newest of three advanced engineering facilities to operate under Grupo Aernnova will specialize in the design and optimization of composite and metal aerostructures. The center will be equipped with the latest graphic design and structural analysis technology, as well as telecommunication and data transmission systems to allow the center’s engineering services to be provided to aerospace customers around the globe.

Grupo Aernnova has a proven track record of more than 20 years of participation in international aeronautical programs. Clients include Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier, Sikorsky, and EADS.

Aernnova Aerospace, SA is a Spanish company that designs and produces aeronautical structures and components, operating through five business units: aerostructures, engineering, composite components, metallic components, and product support services. These activities are presently conducted in production and service centers located in Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. The company has a total workforce of more than 3,000 and annual sales of $500 million USD.

“With our expertise in advanced manufacturing and engineering, Michigan is the best place for international companies looking to compete in the North American market to invest and grow,” Granholm said. “Aernnova’s decision to choose Michigan shows we can compete and win the fight for new investment and new jobs.”

“The availability of skilled engineering talent was a major factor in the decision by Aernnova to locate its North American engineering headquarters in the Ann Arbor region,” Finney said. “Aernnova’s move to our community highlights how the region’s manufacturing heritage can be a catalyst for new economy success.” Based on the MEDC’s recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board today approved a state tax credit valued at more than $18.5 million over 15 years to win the new engineering center. Pittsfield Township is considering a 12-year abatement worth $304,000 to support the project.