(LANSING) – New jobs are being created at IAC plants in Michigan.

On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced business expansion projects at the International Automotive Components North American or IAC manufacturing facilities in Mendon and Alma. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Ohio.

The relocation project, supported by an $800,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, is expected to generate a total capital investment of $20.6 million and create 273 new jobs.

Southwest Michigan First CEO Jonas Peterson says at the beginning of the pandemic, the IAC North American facility in Mendon was looking at potential closure. As of Thursday, he says they are looking at an investment of over $17 million, and creating more than 180 new jobs at the Mendon location.

IAC Group supports personal and professional growth of its employees by providing training programs and pathways to career advancement. The company also offers vacation time and health insurance to its employees. The project will bring immediate job growth with a large auto supplier and contributes to the MEDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive manufacturing.

The village of Mendon and the city of Alma have offered staff time in support of the project and will assist the company in finding candidates for the new positions.