Grand Blanc Company To Add 78 Jobs
Azentek Manufactures 'Infotainment' Systems For Automobiles

June 18, 2008

GRAND BLANC, Michigan -- An estimated 78 jobs are headed to Mid-Michigan. Azentek designs “infotainment” systems for vehicles and is spending $3 million to expand in Grand Blanc Township.

Azentek's latest car personal computer, the Atlas, is an in-dash computer "radio replacement" that runs off Windows for personal use in a motor vehicle.

The expansion comes after a $1.5 million state tax credit was approved for the company, and Grand Blanc Township is also considering a tax abatement.

This move comes on the heels of news Priceline.com could bring hundreds of jobs to southwestern Michigan.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority on Tuesday approved a state tax credit worth up to $3.9 million over seven years to encourage the Norwalk, Conn., company to open a call center in Wyoming.

The Grand Rapids suburb is proposing additional seven-year property tax abatements worth $1.1 million.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has offered up to $200,000 in job training assistance.

Priceline would create 424 jobs through the project.

Michigan is competing with Columbus, Ga., for the Web-based travel site's call center. Company spokesman Brian Ek said a final decision is expected early this summer.

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