Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

September 3, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

  

*Governor Whitmer Announces New Global Headquarters of JR Automation, a Hitachi Company, Coming to Zeeland*

"Project intends to create 150 jobs, invest $72.8 million"

  

*TOKYO, JAPAN* – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is welcoming a $72.8 million investment and the creation of 150 jobs in the City of Zeeland from JR Automation, a Hitachi group company, to create a global headquarters. The announcement comes as the governor continues her second investment trip in Japan to visit companies with an existing or prospective interest in Michigan.  

  

“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,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “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.” 

  

The Zeeland facility will combine three existing JR Automation facilities into one to boost efficiency and increase cohesiveness across employees both of JR Automation and Hitachi, the latter of whom would welcome co-location of some of their global employees at this new location. The new facility would host office space and manufacturing and provide more room for JR Automation to grow. Michigan won this project over South Carolina, where JR Automation has an existing facility with space to grow. 

  

“JR Automation has become a truly global company, and we need a space that meets our needs for hosting customers, showcasing technology, and attracting the best talent,” said *Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and General Manager of Hitachi Automation Division*. “Our new headquarters places us at the heart of a thriving automation and advanced manufacturing cluster that deepens our industry connections and competitive advantages.” 

  

Securing the global headquarters project for JR Automation is significant given the region’s goal of serving as a “smart” manufacturing hub. The move to Zeeland gives the company space to build and grow while also bringing much-needed industrial space online in Holland to support other growing companies. 

  

“It’s an honor to be in Japan this week, strengthening partnerships between West Michigan’s Lakeshore region and Japan’s smart manufacturing leaders,” said *Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage*, a local economic development organization in West Michigan. “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.”

 

The project was first introduced to Governor Whitmer and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer, Jr., at Select USA 2024 [ [link removed] ] – an annual conference aimed at promoting foreign direct investment into the United States. 

  

“This new headquarters reflects Hitachi’s commitment to advancing smart manufacturing,” said *Charlie Takeuchi, Vice President and Executive Officer of Hitachi, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Americas, Ltd*. “It will serve as a global catalyst for advancement of integrated automation worldwide.”

 

JR Automation will expand its diverse group of industries it serves, including medical, warehousing, energy, consumer goods and more. The project is also intended to serve as a talent attraction and customer acquisition tool, as it plans to develop a world-class facility showcasing how operational technology and information technology come together to help companies manufacture smarter products.  

  

“Time and again, by spending time in-market, we are deepening relationships and we are proving to businesses abroad that Michigan has what it takes to compete for, and win, their investment. I’m proud to be the part of Team Michigan that delivers that message,” said *Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC*. “JR Automation’s decision to name Zeeland its global headquarters is proof that our ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy to support our People, cultivate Places, and win Projects of all sizes is resonating globally. While work remains, we are thrilled to see the continued growth and success of JRA and other Japanese here in Michigan and remain committed to earning their investments for years to come.”  

  

Since both JR Automation and parent company Hitachi Ltd. have a valued interest in sustainability efforts, the site will have a focus on elements including native prairie for biodiversity, on-site solar panels, and a goal to have baseline facility operations fully powered by renewables. 

 

“The City of Zeeland is excited to be the new home of JR Automation’s global headquarters,” said *Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra*. “West Michigan has a great potential to serve as a catalyst for smart manufacturing, and it starts with significant investments like this one. We stand ready to help the business and community come together in unison over a shared vision of prosperity.” 

 

Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading global provider of intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, e-mobility, energy storage, and more. In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd., and in doing so, JR Automation became a single-source solution for complete integration of physical assets and data information.  

  

JR Automation employs 941 people across all its Michigan sites and has more than 20 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, Hitachi, Ltd., is a more than $100 billion enterprise with over 600 companies. As such, the decision to locate a global headquarters in Michigan represents a significant opportunity not only for the companies but the state and region.

 

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