Michigan grants $2.1B for jobs

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- The state of Michigan says it has approved $2.1 billion in grants to automakers and others to keep jobs in the state and fuel an economic recovery.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the grants set a record for the Michigan Economic Growth Authority for one day of awards announced, The Detroit News reported Tuesday.

Chrysler LLC is set to receive $1.3 billion in tax credits over 20 years in exchange for an $850 million investment in a body shop in Sterling Heights, Mich., the Detroit Free Press said.

No new Chrysler jobs are expected immediately, but 900 more could be added to a Sterling Heights assembly plant if a second shift is required next year, the News said.

A source said General Motors Co. was expected to invest about $112 million in its Warren Technical Center and $40 million at the Brownstown Township plant, adding a total of 1,050 jobs.

Ford Motor Co., announced it planned to spend $850 million on four plants in the state and add 1,200 workers to its payroll, including 300 engineers and 900 hourly workers.

"We want to ensure Michigan remains the epicenter of today's and tomorrow's high-tech auto industry," said Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields.