A Michigan Economic Development Corp. incentive package helped convince Tower Automotive Inc. to expand its existing technical center in the county. This project will create 236 jobs, 125 directly by the company. Tower Automotive chose Oakland over another Midwestern city for the expansion. The Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a Single Business Tax credit for Tower Automotive valued at $5.3 million during the next 10 years. Tower Automotive produces a broad range of assemblies and modules for vehicle structures and suspension systems for original equipment manufacturers of automobiles and light trucks.

The company Sequoia NET.com has decided to locate its new computer network and applications development center in Auburn Hills. An MEDC incentive package, including a $1.7 million tax credit, helped convince the company to consolidate operations in the city rather than dispersing its growth into various locations across the United States. This project will create 311 jobs, 225 directly by the company. Sequoia provides computer network infrastructure services and Web-based applications development.

Vastera Solution Services Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Vastera Inc., has chosen Southfield for their new expansion. An MEDC incentive package helped convince the company to expand in Southfield rather than Longmont, CO. This project will create 233 jobs, 150 directly by the company. The MEGA board today approved a high-tech SBT credit for Vastera Solution Services Corp. valued at $1.29 million during the next five years. Vastera Solution Services Corp. is a managed services division of Vastera Inc., a provider of Web-based software products and services that facilitate international buying and selling of goods through streamlining and optimizing global trade processes.