BATTLE CREEK - The building trades are re-tooling the Johnson Controls Metals and Mechanisms facility in the Fort Custer Industrial Park, getting it ready for full production as an automotive seating component manufacturer.

Not long ago the future was bleak for the future of the plant. In 2004, Johnson Controls was looking to move its operations to Ohio or Mexico. According to Battle Creek Unlimited, the city's business development arm, 81 employees lost their jobs with the elimination of a second shift and the remaining 100 or so employees lost their jobs when Johnson Controls ceased production of door panels in December 2004.

But now, thanks to some hefty state tax breaks ($17.4 million) and local tax incentives, Johnson Controls is investing $118 million to retool its operations in Battle Creek and Holland, keeping 747 direct jobs in Michigan, plus more spin-off jobs.

"The state and local economic policies had a lot to do with our ability to reopen the plant," said Scott Russell, Johnson Controls engineering manager. "We started work in April, and currently one-third of the plant is active making seating components. Overall it's a two-year project, but the construction phase should be complete by the end of next summer."

Ideal Construction is overseeing the project, which is employing scores of building trades workers, although employment has been in phases. "It's been an excellent place to work," said Motor Shop Electric foreman Ken Scott of IBEW Local 445. "We hope to continue working with Johnson Controls well into the future."

Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Don Jakeway said Johnson Controls' decision to stay "is great news for Battle Creek and Holland. Without this incentive package, these jobs would have left the state, never to return. I commend the leaders of these communities for partnering with the MEDC to present a savvy business case which ultimately won the projects."

The operations in the Battle Creek Johnson Controls plant will take place in 200,000 square-feet of space.

"Our construction workforce in here has been great, absolutely fantastic," Russell said. "You can see their work is high quality and they've been very professional."

IBEW LOCAL 445 electricians Chris Doubleday and Dave Morales (Motor Shop Electric), go up to wire machinery at the Johnson Controls Metals and Mechanisms facility in Battle Creek.

PERFORMING DEMO work with a Bobcat-mounted jack inside what will be the stamping area of the Johnson Controls facility is Gordon Powell of Operating Engineers Local 324.