MEDC Helps Attract Kmart's New High-Tech Center to Troy

Gov. John Engler announced Monday that the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s incentives package has helped bring Kmart Corp.’s new high-tech development center to Troy. The MEDC won the project by making a competitive business case, against Kentucky, to expand in Michigan with a Single Business Tax credit and job training assistance.Kmart selected Troy over Louisville for its new high-tech development center that will spearhead the overhaul of corporate-wide information systems. An economic analysis report estimates that this high-tech center will create 753 new jobs, 450 in the company, for Michigan workers.

“Kmart, under the new leadership of Chuck Conaway, is making significant strides in restructuring their corporation for maximum profitability,” Engler said. “The fact that Troy is part of this new plan shows Kmart’s continued commitment to Michigan and proves the quality of the local workforce.”

The new center will be located on West Big Beaver Road, near Kmart’s world headquarters. It will require a company investment of about $50 million, including building renovations and equipment purchases.”Troy is excited about the continual growth of Kmart Corp. on Big Beaver Road. The latest investment will lead the way to a more technologically competitive company,” said John Szerlag, Troy city manager. “The nearly $50 million project will upgrade and equip an 80,000-sf facility near its headquarters.”