According to a company spokesman, five of the 26 people employed full time have Ph.D.s. "We are very thankful to the state of Michigan, Charter Township of Ypsilanti and all those who were instrumental in assisting in the creation of the region's most technologically advanced electronictesting facility," says Bill Dankmyer, president of Asahi Glass America. "Our company is very excited about the new products that will be made possible as a result of this research center."

AGC is the first company to utilize a special high-tech tax credit incentive available from the state. The tax credit is available under an amendment to the Michigan Economic Growth Authority Act, which allows the MEDC to offer single business tax credits to companies making large capital investments in high-tech research, development and manufacturing.

According to a study by the Center for Automotive Research, more automotive-related research and development dollars are invested in Michigan each year than the other 49 states combined. The governor'sautomotive strategy includes targeted initiatives to increase automotive manufacturing and R&D investments and jobs in the state.