(STURGIS) – Two companies plan to open up two new campuses in Sturgis, creating 450 new jobs.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that economic development grants have been approved for RV manufacturers Cruiser RV and Heartland Recreational Vehicles. The two projects are expected to generate a total private investment of $35.9 million and create the 450 new jobs, with each resulting in a $700,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance based grant.

The companies chose Michigan for the new sites over competing locations in Indiana, primarily because of the availability of skilled workers in
the area.

The new Heartland facility will be constructed in the Dresser Industrial Park along South Nottawa Road and Bogen Road. The Cruiser RV building will be in the Stapleton Industrial Park, which is along North Centreville Road and Haynes Boulevard.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC, a subsidiary of THOR Industries since 2010, manufactures travel trailers, toy haulers and fifth wheel recreational vehicles. They are based in Elkhart, and this expansion is being supported by a $307,277 state Transportation Economic Development Fund grant to help with infrastructure improvements associated with the project.

Cruiser RV, LLC, a subsidiary of Heartland RV since 2015, manufactures a variety of lightweight towable recreational vehicle, including travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. They are based in Howe.

Both companies sell to authorized dealer networks throughout the United States and Canada, and both are experiencing steady and strong demand for their products.

The City of Sturgis is offering property tax abatements in support of the projects, and Southwest Michigan First assisted the companies in identifying sites for the projects.

City Manager Mike Hughes says the City is excited that Cruiser RV and Heartland RV have chosen Sturgis for their most recent expansion projects. He says they will bring an influx of quality jobs to the community, and add another new industry to the already strong and diverse manufacturing base in Sturgis.