Michigan companies collaborate, receive tax abatements

A collaborative of 12 tool, die, and mold-making companies was approved for renaissance recovery status December 16 under a law spearheaded by the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). State and local business taxes for the firms—operating under the name Great Lakes Tool & Die Collaborative—will be abated for 15 years.

The companies had applied to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the renaissance recovery zone status in November 2004.

Public Act 266, which took effect in early 2004, allows small tool, die, and mold-making companies to form collaboratives to share administrative costs and act as a single contact with original equipment manufacturers to better compete with larger or overseas companies for contract work.

The members of the Great Lakes Tool & Die Collaborative and their locations are:

• Air-Hydraulics Inc., Jackson
• Albion Machine & Tool Co., Albion
• Classic Die Inc., Grand Rapids
• Epic Machine Inc., Fenton
• J.S. Die & Mold Inc., Byron Center
• LS Mold Inc., Holland*
• Marton Tool Inc., Grand Rapids
• Mesick Precision Co. Inc, Mesick
• Mid-America Machining, Brooklyn
• Paramount Tool & Die Inc., Kent City
• Sturgis Tool & Die Inc., Sturgis
• T.M. Smith Tool Intl. Corp., Mount Clemens

*LS Mold Inc.'s tax abatement was approved for six years.

A total of eight collaboratives were approved December 16. Under PA 266, a maximum of 20 collaboratives will be allowed to operate in Michigan. Applications for the remaining 12 zones will be reviewed in 2005.

The MMA, O'Riley Consulting, and Butzel Long will work with other tool, die, and mold manufacturers that are interested in taking advantage of the opportunity. A series of informational meetings will be held across the state, starting in January.