Fibrosan announces $16.8 million Cass County investment, 32 jobs planned

On June 26, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a more than $16.8 million investment from Fibrosan Inc. in Cass County, a project state officials say is expected to create 32 new jobs. The fiberglass manufacturing company plans to construct and open a new facility in Cassopolis.

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like auto manufacturing,” Whitmer said in a release. “Today’s announcement will create 32 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place to chase the next big idea. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”

According to the announcement, Fibrosan Inc. plans to build a new fiberglass manufacturing facility in Cassopolis as part of its continued expansion in the North American recreational vehicle (RV) market. State officials said the expansion is being driven by sustained demand from U.S.-based RV manufacturers and challenges associated with supplying the market solely from the company’s overseas production facilities. Establishing a domestic manufacturing presence is expected to help the company improve responsiveness and better meet customer demand.

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Cassopolis and the surrounding area for job creation, small business support, and driving further investment into the community,” said Matt McCauley, senior vice president of regional development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “We applaud Fibrosan’s commitment to the area and for their ongoing successes and growth.”

The investment is expected to generate at least $16,850,000 in capital investment while creating 32 new jobs in the region. To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to job creation, the project will establish the company’s first U.S. manufacturing operation and create a long-term presence in Michigan, according to the state announcement.

“This facility is not the result of a decision we made recently. It is the result of a journey that started more than twenty years ago. Over those years, we invested in people, technology, capacity, and relationships. We learned the market, listened to our customers, and earned their trust and confidence step by step. Today, breaking ground in Cassopolis is not the end of that journey. It is just the beginning of a new chapter. We are proud to bring manufacturing closer to our customers, create opportunities in this community, and build a long-term sustainable future in North America,” said Erim Yucel, CEO of Fibrosan.

“This project represents exactly the kind of investment that strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Village of Cassopolis. We are thrilled to welcome this family-owned company to our community and are confident this will be a strong and lasting partnership that benefits Cassopolis for generations to come,” added Emilie G. LaGrow, Cassopolis village manager. “We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer and the MEDC for the Make It in Michigan strategy, which continues to focus on people, places, and projects that drive meaningful economic growth. Through this investment by Fibrosan and the continued support of our state partners, Cassopolis remains a strong model of the important role rural communities play in Michigan’s economy.”

In addition to MSF support, the Village of Cassopolis anticipates approval of a real property tax abatement in support of the project. The MEDC also authorized a State Education Tax abatement that will be used in conjunction with the locally approved abatement.

According to information included in the state announcement, Fibrosan Inc. is a U.S.-based affiliate of global composites manufacturer Fibrosan Glass and Reinforced Polyester, which was established in 1983 as part of the family-owned Yücel Group in Turkey. The company specializes in manufacturing glass-reinforced plastic laminates and composite materials designed for use in RVs, transportation, construction, food and chemical processing facilities, and other industrial applications.

The company has expanded internationally over the past several decades, including launching Fibrosan Inc. in Elkhart, Indiana, in 2016 to better serve the U.S. market. State officials said the new Cassopolis facility will help support the company’s continued growth in North America.