Success Stories

Lenawee Now is focused on promoting and supporting economic development in Lenawee County. There are many business success stories in our community. Comstar Automotive USA and Blissfield Manufacturing Company are two recent successful business developments in the Lenawee County, Michigan.

Success Story: Comstar Automotive USA

Comstar logoIndia-based Comstar chose Tecumseh, Michigan, to be the home for its first North American facility. It is not only a manufacturing facility, it is also Comstar’s North American Headquarters. The company bought an existing building in Tecumseh’s industrial park and created 15 jobs to get started. The first products to be made here are the engine starters for Ford Motor’s diesel truck line.

The noteworthy aspect of this success story is that this is a 15-person facility that is a tier 1 Ford supplier. It speaks volumes to this company’s ability that Ford allows such a small facility to be a prime supplier Ford’s most profitable vehicle line, the F-350 diesel truck.

“We took possession of the building on the first of March and had a lot of prep to do in a short time frame. Everyone in city management and the community were wonderfully supportive of us meeting our launch goal of late April.” – Comstar consultant, Timothy Brunetz.

Success Story: Blissfield Manufacturing Company

Blissfield Manufacturing CompanyBlissfield Manufacturing Company, founded in 1946 by O.W. Farver, is a 4th generation family-owned business. It specializes in heat transfer technology within the automotive, off-highway vehicle, commercial refrigeration, and industrial equipment markets.

The 2013 redesign of GM’s power steering system resulting in the obsolescence of Blissfield’s power steering cooler expedited the company’s efforts to roll out its Green Technologies division, which encompasses a variety of environmentally friendly products ranging from restaurant filtration to waste-water remediation. Over the next three years it will add $1.5 million in new equipment to its Blissfield facility to support its growth into new product lines. An estimated 73 jobs will be added.

“With new business planned on the horizon, Blissfield Manufacturing is readying itself to be in a strong position to support the needs of its customers in the CO2, automotive and environmental markets.” Pat Farver, CEO and President, Blissfield Manufacturing.

Success Story: Cambridge Cheese Company

In December of 2016, Courtney and Justin Chamberlain started selling their cheese curds in one local store. Just two months later, six flavors of Cambridge Cheese curds are being sold in eleven stores and two restaurants across Lenawee County.

ThIs fast growth can be attributed to the popularity of specialty foods in the region. “Cheese is a novelty. I think food always
does well,” said Justin. This family business has helped Justin and Courtney teach their children important life lessons and involve them in the whole business from production all the way to delivery.

Lenawee Now is excited about Cambridge Cheese Company’s success and looks forward to their future growth plans.

Success Story: Vision Marine Products

Entrepreneurship is all about solving problems. Vision Marine Products, LLC understood that pontoon boat owners want to use their boats as much as possible but are held back by the burdensome traditional snap-on covers. In 2016, they designed the Easy Cover™ automatic pontoon boat cover to solve this frustrating problem. Through a state-funded program offered by Lenawee Now, Vision Marine was able to access capital to improve and increase marketing to potential customers and dealers.

Success Story: Clinton Arts Center

Having a lively and accessible downtown area can help attract visitors and residents. “Quality of life and lifestyle within the community are important,” says Ruth Knoll, founder of the Clinton Arts Center “This is what makes life rich.”

The Clinton Arts Center and the Oak Openings building are already sparking interest from additional prospects seeking to build or expand their business in downtown Clinton. “This is an experiment in rural economic development,” explains David Munson, executive director of the Clinton Arts Center. “We built something unexpected and now we get to witness the impact it can have on the community.”  Read more here.