Governor Whitmer Header

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

February 4, 2026 

Contact: [email protected] 

 

*Gov. Whitmer Announces 115 New Jobs Coming to Michigan, $13.4 Million Investment Across Two Companies in Muskegon, Washtenaw Counties* 


* "Motiv Bowling to create 90 jobs, invest $8.9 million in Muskegon" 

* "Utilidata, Inc. to expand operations in Ann Arbor, creating 25 new jobs and investing over $4.4 million" 

 

*LANSING, Mich. *– Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two business expansion projects in Muskegon and Washtenaw counties. More than $13.4 million in capital investment will be generated along with the creation of 115 good-paying jobs as a result of these growth projects. 

 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries from cars to AI,” said *Governor Whitmer. *“Today’s announcement will create 115 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place for cutting-edge research and development that moves our nation forward. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”  

 

“Michigan has always been home to innovators and entrepreneurs building something new and working tirelessly to push our state forward,” said *Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II*. “That is no different today. Motiv Bowling and Utilidata’s announcement will create good-paying jobs and build on Michigan’s leadership in manufacturing and AI. Let’s keep Standing Tall for innovation and cutting-edge research right here in Michigan.” 

 

“Over the past week, we have announced that four small businesses have chosen to expand their operations in the state to meet growing customer demand. This underscores the strength of Michigan’s talented workforce and business-friendly environment—key factors companies need to succeed,” said *Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the MEDC*. “We commend Motiv and Utilidata for choosing to Make It in Michigan and for creating well-paying jobs in the process.” 

 

Wilbur Products, dba *Motiv Bowling* [ [link removed] ], manufactures competitive bowling equipment. Due to the company’s quality of products and engineering, Motiv has become a dominant force in the industry, with 20% sales growth over the past several years. As such, the company is announcing their plans to acquire a new, 96,000-square-foot facility in Roosevelt Park. 

 

“The opportunity and encouragement provided by the State, the MEDC, The Greater Muskegon Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Roosevelt Park will allow us to continue to produce the world’s best bowling products here in the United States,” noted *W. Scott Wilbur, President of Motiv Bowling*. “When our primary customer for bowling products left for Mexico in 2006, we enacted our belief that bowling ball manufacturing in America was still possible if a business was truly focused on excellence in innovation and cutting-edge manufacturing processes. This is this same agenda which builds a company strong enough to withstand future challenges and international competition.” We attribute our success to being a team of individuals focused on following the path that God has laid before us with trust, unbreakable determination, and outstanding work ethic. All businesses face economic challenges, but they must make their priority to stand by their fellow Americans and preserve jobs. Thankfully, we live in a state that has proven again that they are determined to do what it takes to keep Michigan as the technology and manufacturing center of the world.” 

 

The company is currently headquartered in Michigan with 43 employees across two facilities in Spring Lake and in Roosevelt Park. With increased demand for its products, the company made the necessary decision to add facility capacity to increase production and manufacturing efficiency across the production process. 

 

“Motiv Bowling is exactly the kind of company that strengthens a community—homegrown, innovative, and deeply committed to its people. Their continued investment in Roosevelt Park creates quality jobs and reinforces West Michigan’s reputation as a place where advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship thrive,” said *Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development*. “We’re proud to support MOTIV’s growth and the lasting impact they’re having on our local economy. Special thanks to Scott and his team and Jared Olson at the City of Roosevelt Park for their partnership in securing this growth.” 

 

The expansion plans are anticipated to result in at least $8.975 million in capital investment and the creation of 90 new jobs with starting wages of $24 per hour plus benefits, greater than the regional median wage of $22.61. The investment received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) in the form of a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant of $540,000. 

 

“I want to thank the Michigan Business Development Program for supporting Wilbur Products with this grant. This project is a strong example of how strategic investment drives real growth for local communities and our State —supporting good-paying jobs, strengthening local suppliers, and helping an innovative manufacturer expand its footprint in Roosevelt Park. Investments like this keep Michigan competitive and ensure our communities benefit from long-term, sustainable growth,” said *State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon).* 

 

The new 96,000 square-foot facility will be renovated and used for bowling ball manufacturing and as an exporting logistics hub. The expansion will also require a significant amount of new equipment to be purchased, including locally sourced robotics, CNC Mills & Lathes, locally built custom grinders & custom polishing equipment, industrial racking, forklifts, loading dock expansions, computer software and hardware, and a new ERP system installation and training by a Lansing-based company. Motiv’s current facility, that is only two miles from the new production site, will be retained for research and development purposes. 

 

“The bowling industry has been a part of our Muskegon area DNA for over 120 years. I’m excited to see the State’s investments in the cutting edge of manufacturing happening right here at home,” said *State Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). *“Motiv’s investment in Roosevelt Park will ensure more generations are able to have good jobs in the Muskegon’s bowling manufacturing industry. Motiv’s massive success is a testament to them and our community, and I am glad the State sees that as well.” 

 

Motiv was the only manufacturer to make it to every Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) show in the 2025 season, demonstrating its consistent presence and competitiveness. Additionally, competitors using Motiv equipment won over half of all PBA titles available over that time. Market dominance continues to inspire huge annual increases in sales. 

 

“For nearly five decades, Motiv has been an important part of Roosevelt Park, and we are proud to support their continued investment in our community through expanded operations, new jobs, and growth that will strengthen our city for generations to come,” said *Mayor Aaron Langlois, Roosevelt Park.* 

 

For those interested in pursuing a career at Motiv, click <*HERE* [ [link removed] ].> 

 

*Utilidata, Inc* [ [link removed] ]. is a technology company dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and performance of critical power infrastructure from the electric grid to data centers. With its headquarters and innovation lab located in Ann Arbor, the company is at the forefront in utilizing embedded artificial intelligence to optimize power management systems. Utilidata employs approximately 80 people nationally with 20 of those workers based in Michigan and a dozen local contractors and consultants. 

 

“We’re thrilled to move our headquarters and expand our innovation lab in Ann Arbor, where we have deep roots and attract top talent,” said *Josh Brumburger, CEO of Utilidata*. “AI is pushing data centers to their power limits, creating complex energy challenges. Operators need better tools to maximize their infrastructure. We’ll continue to lean on the region’s engineering and technology talent, along with the collaboration of local partners and research institutions, as we continue to develop our technology to help address one of the most pressing energy challenges.” 

 

The company is embarking on a strategic expansion in Ann Arbor, as it continues to scale its cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions that enable data centers to better utilize the power they already have from the grid. Driven by growing demand for AI technologies and a desire to deepen its engagement with Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, Utilidata has announced their plans to move into a new 15,000 square-foot headquarters and innovation lab. 

 

The expansion will further strengthen local partnerships and build upon their previous collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, Brooks Utility Partners, and Treetown Tech. Through this project, the company is solidifying its role as a leader in energy innovation while contributing meaningfully to Michigan’s clean energy economy. 

 

The company anticipates this project will generate at least $4,475,961 in capital investment and create at least 25 new jobs with starting wages of $37.14 per hour plus benefits, which is $13 per hour greater than the regional median wage. Support for this expansion has been provided by the MSF through an MBDP performance-based grant of $250,000. 

 

“With energy usage increasing quickly due to the siting of data centers in Michigan, it is important to develop technologies to use electricity more efficiently. Utilidata is doing just that,” said *State Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township)*. “I am pleased that the State of Michigan recognizes the importance of their work and that Utilidata will contribute to the innovation culture of our community.” 

 

In addition to MSF support, MichiganWorks! of Southeast Michigan has provided a workforce development proposal valued at up to $156,900 and Ann Arbor SPARK has offered marketing assistance as well as connecting the company to job seekers. 

 

“Utilidata’s decision to locate its headquarters and innovation lab in Ann Arbor reflects the depth of our region’s engineering talent, from the university to large and small engineering firms, including automotive engineers whose skills seamlessly translate to energy and AI,” said *Jennifer Olmstead, Vice President of Economic Development at Ann Arbor SPARK*. 

 

For those interested in pursuing a career with Utilidata, please click <*HERE* [ [link removed] ].> 

 

In FY 2025, the MEDC and its partners supported small businesses in Michigan more than 24,000 times. MEDC and partner small business support resulted in just over 2,000 small business starts, $2.8 billion in facilitated revenue for small businesses, nearly 6,300 new jobs created and nearly 5,100 jobs retained at small businesses, and nearly $500 million in capital formation acquired by small businesses to start, expand, or invest in their operations. 

  

MEDC’s support of placemaking projects in FY 2025 is projected to leverage nearly $1.63 billion in private investment, revitalize just over 4.2 million square feet of real estate, and nearly 3.6 million square feet of public space. 

 

*NOTE FROM THE MEDC:* 

"Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as milestones are reached, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature." 

 

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