Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corp. July 26 to announce Gentex’s $300 million expansion in Zeeland.

Backed by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), the project will create 500 jobs, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“We’re excited to announce that after two years of analyzing our manufacturing and R&D (research and development) footprint, we’ve reached an agreement with the state of Michigan that supports our long-standing commitment to the state and provides the incentives necessary to facilitate our future growth initiatives in Michigan,” said Steve Downing, Gentex Corporation president and CEO, in the release. “Today, we are announcing that we will continue that commitment as we look to add over 500 new jobs and spend at least $300 million in new buildings and equipment over the next three years in support of our growth initiatives.”

Gentex produces electronics for the automotive, aerospace and fire safety industries, the release stated. The company employs more than 5,000 people in West Michigan.

“Gentex’s $300 million investment creating 500 good-paying jobs will grow Michigan’s economy and help us continue leading the future of mobility and electrification,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer also said state officials are glad to see the company thrive amid the state’s automotive history, according to the release.

Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chairman of the MSF Board, offered his congratulations to the Gentex team.

“We appreciate your vote of confidence in West Michigan’s talented workforce and the Zeeland community as you grow your company,” Messer said in the release.