Two companies have chosen the Ann Arbor region for expansion, citing the region’s deep talent pool as the prime factor in their decision to grow here. TD Ameritrade and Thomson Plastics will invest $7 million in Ann Arbor, and are tapping in to this region’s talent pool to hire nearly 100 people.
TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NYSE: AMTD), based in Omaha, Neb., plans to open a new technology center focused on advanced technology and innovation in the City of Ann Arbor. This project is expected to generate up to $3 million in total capital investment and create up to 50 new jobs.
“TD Ameritrade’s new Advanced Technology Group in Ann Arbor shows the power of retaining talent in this region, and the power of being able to attract top business and technical talent. The two founding employees at this facility have ties to Ann Arbor,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.
Ann Arbor SPARK connected TD Ameritrade with state incentives and will also help it with job seeker networking events as it ramps up operations.
Thomson Plastics, Inc. is establishing its first manufacturing facility in Michigan. As part of establishing its facility in Howell Township, Thomson Plastics plans to create 46 new jobs and invest nearly $4 million over two years.
“Thomson Plastics’ decision to operate in Howell was due to the easy access to a local expressway, and central location for major regions of automotive manufacturing in Michigan,” said Rick Kibbey, president and chief operating officer, Thomson Plastics.
Ann Arbor SPARK assisted Thomson Plastics, an injection-molding company headquartered in Thomson, Ga., in applying for local incentives. In support of its new plant, Howell Township awarded Thomson Plastics a 50 percent property tax abatement on its new investment.
Ann Arbor SPARK also helped Thomson Plastics coordinate with Michigan Works! and Mott Community College. The company is planning to participate in the Michigan New Jobs Training program that provides on-the-job training to new hires.
