JR Automation to build $72.8M global headquarters in Zeeland 

What’s happening: JR Automation, a Hitachi Group company, is investing $72.8 million in a new global headquarters in Zeeland. Lakeshore Advantage, the local economic development organization that assists employers with growth opportunities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, is working with the company to connect it with resources to support its growth in the region. The project was announced Sept. 3, and ground was broken Sept. 17.

Why it’s important: The new state-of-the-art facility will be home to 350 West Michigan employees and is expected to generate $72.8 million in private investment and 150 jobs.

The project follows a trip to Japan by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and a delegation of Michigan economic development leaders to visit companies with operations in Michigan, including Hitachi.

What they’re saying: “JR Automation’s new global headquarters is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in innovation and build strong partnerships between Michigan and global leaders like Hitachi,” Whitmer says. “This project will retain and create good-paying jobs, strengthen our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforce Michigan’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology. I will continue going anywhere and working with anyone to bring jobs and investments back home to Michigan.”

Who’s supporting the effort: Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens joined Whitmer in the visit with Hitachi executives and JR Automation leadership in Tokyo.

“It’s an honor to be in Japan this week, strengthening partnerships between West Michigan’s Lakeshore region and Japan’s smart manufacturing leaders,” Owens said during the trip. “Hitachi’s investment signals real confidence in our region’s fast-growing smart manufacturing capabilities. We know investment decisions go beyond data—they’re built on relationships and trust. This mission is about building meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of the people, partnerships, and innovation culture that make West Michigan a smart place to grow. I’m proud to represent a region that’s rapidly emerging as a global hub for smart manufacturing and excited to keep building momentum together.”

What’s next: JR Automation is a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing technology. The company’s expansion in the Lakeshore region builds on continuous regional growth in the smart manufacturing industry.

“This new headquarters represents our commitment to innovation, our people, and our community,” says Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi’s automation division. “We’re proud to deepen our roots in Michigan while continuing to grow globally. This investment will help us better serve our customers and attract top talent to the Lakeshore region.

”What’s the impact: The 286,000-square-foot facility will feature world-class space for demonstrations of the latest in automation technologies, amenities for employees, and an ecologically minded design that connects employees to the outdoors and advances the company’s sustainability practices. The facility will combine three existing JR Automation locations, making much-needed industrial real estate available in Holland.