Granholm visits Gentex in Zeeland

ZEELAND, Mich. (Newschannel 3) - Before touring weather damage in Ottawa Co. Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Granholm was focusing on jobs in Zeeland.

The Governor was visiting the new Gentex facility, a thriving company that makes mirrors for just about every major automaker in the world.

Gentex has taken advantage of hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic development job money from the state, and is one of the few manufacturing companies in the area that is upsizing in a downsizing market, which the Governor capitalized upon. Last year, the company announced it was planning to add 130 jobs over the next five years, as part of an expansion project.

"They are the kind of company that we know will diversify Michigan and add new jobs - they're diversifying themselves, and they're hiring great Michigan graduates," said Gov. Granholm.

Newschannel 3 wanted to know why Gentex has succeeded while so many other companies are struggling.

"One of the reasons why they've succeeded is because of innovation," said the Governor. "Because their products are very cutting edge, and they've also diversified their customer base."

Gov. Granholm says one of the keys for innovation is attracting and keeping the best and brightest of young people here in Michigan, something she admits is a challenge right now.

Gentex has five manufacturing plants all based in Zeeland, and the company has 2,600 employees worldwide.