August 10, 2023 

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Gov. Whitmer Announces 80 New Jobs Coming to Central Michigan After Woodchipper Manufacturer Bandit Industries Expands in Union Township 

Company chooses Isabella County for its investment, cites Michigan’s talented workforce and strength in advanced manufacturing 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced that global woodchipper manufacturer Bandit Industries is expanding in Union Township with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.5 million and create 80 jobs in advanced manufacturing. The project will further boost Michigan’s agribusiness industry and bring immediate good jobs with a large and expanding manufacturer, with the possibility of leading to future investment and growth in Michigan. 

 “Bandit Industries is driving $1.5 million of investment and creating 80 good jobs in central Michigan, underscoring our leadership in advanced manufacturing and builds on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan was chosen for this expansion because of our talented workforce and strength in advanced manufacturing. We’re pleased to support Bandit’s expansion in Union Township and look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow here and add jobs for Michiganders. Together, we can continue to send a clear message that everyone is welcome to make it in Michigan.” 

 Bandit Industries, headquartered in Broomfield Township, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of woodchippers, stump grinders, forestry mowers and waste reduction machines, and currently employs 761 Michiganders. In 2018, the founders of Bandit sold 100 percent of the company to their employees, making it an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, in an effort to keep the company in Michigan and remain involved with the local communities. 

Bandit is experiencing increasing demand and is also looking to secure new opportunities, increasing its share of the growing market. The company plans to renovate an existing facility in Union Township, where it will add production lines and new machinery and equipment. 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.5 million and create 80 jobs with the support of a $360,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company’s longstanding presence in the state and Michigan’s skilled workforce were key factors in selecting Michigan for this project. 

“We are excited for the partnership and support from Governor Whitmer and the MEDC,” said the Bandit Management Committee. “We have plans to introduce a major new product later this year and have new products currently being designed to introduce in 2024. We would like to thank all the state leaders that help support manufacturing, we look forward to continuing to grow right here in Michigan.” 

Bandit supports the growth of its employees by offering on-the-job training and utilizes Michigan Works! to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees. The company is also open to helping employees obtain access to its facility for career positions. In addition, the company is partnering with Mid-Michigan Community College to support the educational needs to establish an apprenticeship program. 

“The decision by Bandit Industries to expand in Michigan underscores our state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing as well as the strength of our business climate and talented workforce,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “This project is a win for Central Michigan and for the entire state. We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators from both parties, and local officials for their continued support for our programs that help make announcements like today’s possible. We appreciate the work of our local partners in supporting our efforts to create high-skill jobs for our residents, and will continue working to win projects, invest in places and support our people as we encourage businesses of all sizes to make it in Michigan.” 

Union Township has offered staff time and resources in support of the project. Individuals interested in careers with Bandit should visit https://banditchippers.com/careers/.  

“Middle Michigan Development Corporation has worked closely with our friends at Bandit Industries for many years, and we are thrilled to see the company continue to succeed and expand,” said Middle Michigan Development Corporation President and CEO James McBryde. “Their new facility in Union Township will be a game-changer for the company and for the community. We look forward to sharing a very bright future with Bandit Industries.” 

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