BALDWIN TWP, MI -- Plastic Trim International is aiming to boost the workforce and economy in Iosco County by investing $16.1 million and creating 210 new jobs.

The plastics company was approved for a $1.5 million performance based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund board to invest $16.1 million into its Baldwin Township manufacturing plant and Tawas City logistics center.

The investment, officials say, will generate 210 new jobs with an average wage of $24 per hour.

The investment is going toward a 42,000-square-foot expansion and upgraded technologies at the company's Baldwin Township plant. Its Tawas City logistics center will also have some growth due to the increased production in Baldwin Township, according to officials.

"This project demonstrates how the state's attraction strategy reaches all parts of the state, and provides key support in the intense competition for new businesses locating and expanding in Michigan," said Jeff Mason, chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Penny Payea, managing director for the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Tawas area is always in need of jobs. She said the area is best known for water and tourism, but natives who live there "relish for job opportunities" like the ones Plastic Trim International is creating.

Lindsy Adkins, business services professional for Michigan Works! Region 7B said she remembers Kalitta Air, an American Cargo Airline based in Ypsilanti, generating a lot of jobs at its Oscoda location. But besides the cargo airline, Adkins couldn't recall any other recent, large employment opportunities in Iosco County similar to the announcement made on Tuesday, April 24.

Adkins said Michigan Works! Plans to help the plastics company with their employment needs.

Currently, there's an estimated 8,750 employable workforce in Iosco County in a population of 25,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 16 percent of that workforce is in manufacturing with about the same employed in health-care services. The additional 210 jobs at Plastic Trim marks a 15 percent increase in the county's manufacturing employment, according to MEDC officials.

Plastic Trim manufactures trim, molding, decorative parts, body structural parts, set frame systems, and roof racks for General Motors, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Nissan, and BMW.

The Company is a subsidiary of Minth Group US Holdings, Inc., a China-based manufacturer of trim, molding, decorative parts, body structural parts, set frame systems, and roof racks for the automotive industry.

"This project will increase the skills of the current workforce, train new hires in the skilled trades and have a significant impact on the community," said Mark Berdan, executive director, Michigan Works! Region 7B.