Meijer cites $463 million investment in the state

Detroit Free Press - www.freep.com - Meijer cites $463-million investment in state Meijer cites $463-million investment in state March 20, 2007 FREE PRESS STAFF Expressing confidence in Michigan’s economic future, Meijer stores President Mark Murray today released figures showing that the company’s investment in the state for the three years ending in 2007 will total $463 million. This year, investment in construction and land investment will be $123 million, and will include three new stores. In Wayne County, a store will be built in Allen Park as part of a redevelopment project. Built on a former landfill, the project is certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. Other new stores will be built in Macomb and Clinton counties. The private company’s distribution center in Lansing will have an $18-million expansion.Besides the $123 million this year, the company said its investment in Michigan was $132 million last year and $207 million in 2005.Murray said Meijer, which is based in Walker in western Michigan, is committed to the state. “We’ve recently seen news of a few companies reducing their presence in the state,” said Murray, a former state budget director and treasurer and former president of Grand Valley State University. “We want everyone to know that Meijer will continue to invest here, confident of a solid future.” Good news for Michigan, bad news for the Detroit "News" editorial board.