Michigan Works! grants to help local businesses

CEI Materials, 800 E. Duncan Street.

Michigan Works! Southeast will receive more than $2.3 million from the Michigan Talent Investment agency to train workers at 67 companies in the region, including 22 companies in Washtenaw County; two of them in Manchester. The local recipient companies will train 84 employees, including  43 new hires and three United States Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.  

The grant awards are part of the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund, now in its sixth year. The fund provides competitive awards for training that enhance talent, productivity, and employee retention while increasing the quality and competitiveness of Michigan businesses. It ensures that employers have the talent they need to compete and grow nationally and globally, and that people have the in-demand skills they need for good jobs.

“We are pleased that our business services team was able to help so many companies apply for and receive the grant funds,” said William Sleight, Director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “The training will help workers gain new skills so that the companies can thrive in today’s global market,” he said.

The two Manchester businesses who were grant recipients were CEI Materials, LLC (800 E. Duncan), who received $39,200; and Martinrea International, Inc. (Bishop Circle Assembly, 10501 M-52), receiving $130,190 in funding. Each company also made its own cash contributions to the projects–Martinrea $125,615, and CEI $46,713.

CEI Materials is a nationwide, full-service provider of Architectural Cladding Systems and Components. CEI works with architects, general contracts, and installers on all aspects of the project including design assist, project management, fabrication and installation.

CEI will train 29 existing employees and six new hires. The new hires will not be registered apprentices. Training areas include: project management training and training on software and equipment to help the company design, produce and market new products.

Martinrea is a diversified global automotive supplier, engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of metal parts, assemblies and modules, complex fluid management systems and aluminum products.

Martinea will train 55 current employees and 37 new hires. Three USDOL registered apprentices will be among those trained. Training areas include lean manufacturing, project management, problem solving, quality and error proofing.

The Going Pro Talent Fund is a competitive statewide grant program operated by the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. Companies apply for grants through their local Michigan Works! agency, and Michigan Works agencies administer the grants once awarded. Statewide, companies submitted more than 1,200 applications totaling more than $50 million. The state awarded $29 million grants to 780 companies. Applications were reviewed by staff of the Talent Investment Agency on the following criteria: rationale/need for training; employer contribution to the training program; company’s previous experience with grants awarded after October 2016; with priority given to companies with fewer than 100 employees, companies who have never applied for grants before, and companies who train USDOL registered apprenticeships.

Jim Coutu, Business Services Manager for Michigan Works! Southeast, says that staff will be working closely with these companies in the next few months to ensure that the companies achieve their training goals.

“These grants help both new and existing employees at these companies gain the skills they need to be perform their jobs effectively,” Coutu said. “We are excited to help increase the number of registered apprenticeships in our region through this grant.”

Martinrea Bishop Circle Assembly Division, 10501 M-52.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.