ESCANABA — A Southern California company is bringing its talents to the U.P.

Invest UP announced recently that Motis Brands received a Michigan grant to usher the company to Delta County. The Michigan Business Development Program Grant totaled $75,000, money that will be used towards the facility that is anticipated to be a capital investment of $675,000 in the city of Escanaba. The facility will be located at 2003 23rd Avenue North in Escanaba.

CEO of Invest UP, Marty Fittante, said that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), was intricate in “quarterbacking” the process.

Media and Communications Manager Otie McKinley said that “production is anticipated to be ramped up by the end of 2024, with additional job growth expected in 2025 and 2026.”

He added that Motis was awarded the grant because the proposal is the kind of project that the state wants to get behind.

“The company was eligible for the grant as it met the required guidelines of the Michigan Business Development Program and represented the kind of project the state seeks to support,” McKinley said.

Founded in Escanaba in 2004, Race Ramps was acquired by Motis Brands which produces products for the power sport, medical, recreational, military, and industry market. The facility will use advanced polyurethane to form different hoses and cords which its customers use to protect equipment that transports liquids and electricity. The materials used in the manufacturing process are sourced within the United States, meaning that products produced are 100 percent American-made products.

The new facility will also bring nine new jobs to the Escanaba area. McKinley said that the new nine jobs will be production worker positions with a pay rate of $25 per hour, roughly $5.74 per hour over the median regional wage of $19.26 per hour.

McKinley said that Motis chose to bring this project to the area because it incorporates very well into the current operations the company has in Escanaba.

“This is also centralizes the production capacity and enable greater synergy in its product lines,” McKinley added.

He also spoke to the environment of Race Ramps and its parent company Motis, saying it is a great place to work.

“The company has a great culture, respects its employees, and values their worth as well as their hard work.”

McKinley could not say when or if more manufacturing companies are coming to the area, but that the MEDC is committed to finding opportunities to bring jobs and investments to the U.P.

“Our goal is to enable job growth across the state, and advanced manufacturing remains a top industry that will continue to receive our support.”