Auto part maker Benteler adding industrial laser tools at Michigan plant

Grand Rapids, MI - Benteler Automotive is expanding its operations in the US with a $7.3M investment in new equipment for its facility in Grand Rapids, MI, according to local reports.

The expansion will include a hot-form line, a laser cutting cell, and two welding cells, according to the city's economic development group. Benteler is seeking a 12-year property tax abatement for the line and cutting cell, adn a five-year abatement for the weld cells. All together those would help save the company about $35,000 per year, calculates the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

The expansion also will require 15 new hires, which will bring in another $5500 to the city's income tax, on top of the $15,000 from the new tool investments (via property taxes).