New Jobs = Good News For West Michigan College Students

WEST MICHIGAN (Newschannel 3) - West Michigan is in the middle of a business boom, and that's good news for many area college students.

MPI Research, a life sciences research company based in Mattawan, has announced that they plan to invest $330 million into Southwest Michigan, which equals 3,300 new jobs for Kalamazoo and Mattawan.

The state says those 3,300 jobs will spin off another 3,300, for a total 6,600 new jobs for the area, and over the next 15 years, the investment will generate more than $4 billion in income for the people of West Michigan.

Along with the announcement of new jobs, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute has given $1 million each to Hope College, Calvin College and Kalamazoo College to enhance their life sciences programs, and the schools will use that money to fund student research opportunities.

In addition to the new jobs and school grants, the expansion will bring 7,600 new residents to the area, and grow school enrollment by 1,800 students.