ALBION, Mich. – Governor Jennifer Granholm visited Albion on Friday to see firsthand the benefits to one Michigan company of the Tool and Die Renaissance Zone program. Retained jobs and an expanded customer base as well as a strong relationship with former competitors have made a difference for Albion Machine and Tool Company.

The Governor visited Albion Machine and Tool on Friday, September 1, at 10:30 a.m. The Great Lakes Tool and Die Collaborative, of which Albion Machine and Tool is a member, invited the Governor to see the positive effects which the Tool and Die Renaissance Zone program has had on members of the Collaborative, including Albion Machine and Tool. Governor Granholm took a private tour of the plant and made some remarks for the occasion.

“As a result of our membership in the Great Lakes Tool and Die Collaborative, we have been able to diversify our product line and save jobs,” said Bill Stoffer, Chairman and CEO of Albion Machine and Tool. “The tax abatements associated with the Renaissance Zone have enabled us to purchase the assets of another local company and save a number of jobs for their former employees.”

The Tool and Die Renaissance Zone program is designed to give smaller tool and die companies an opportunity to collaborate in positioning for future growth in the global economy. It is a think tank approach with a practical twist, in that members of the collaboratives have an opportunity to work together to develop standardized processes, tooling, and project management methods. This is in contrast to past competitive situations in which many small companies found it difficult to fully service the needs of their customers.

“The Albion EDC worked closely with Albion Machine and Tool to help them receive local approvals for this project,” said Peggy Sindt, President of the Albion Economic Development Corporation. “It is critical for a community to retain its existing businesses and this was a perfect opportunity to assist one of our companies. City Council and staff did what they needed to do to help this company remain competitive.”

Stoffer said that “our membership in the Collaborative has made a big difference for us. We are stronger, our employees have more opportunities, and the community has a committed employer. The Renaissance Zone program is really working!”