New Age Siding Helping Build Michigan's Economy

By ROBIN SCHWARTZ
FOX 2 News

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) --There's a new "green" business located here in Metro Detroit's Auburn Hills that's growing.

It produces a state-of-the-air building material called Microposite, which resembles wood.

"It's a new Michigan story," says Governor Jennifer Granholm. "Microposite builds energy efficiency materials."

Granholm recently visited the company's 30,000 square foot facility, where 29 workers help produce what's considered to be the first alternative to premium siding in 20 years.

Microposite plans to add new shifts, and they hope to double their workforce by the end of 2009."This is exactly the sweet spot of Michigan's transformation," says Granholm.

The company uses a low energy manufacturing process with natural materials, which makes Microposite good for the environment. It's also water resistant, light weight and energy efficient.

The material was developed locally, in part by people who used to be employed by the auto industry. A handful of the founders worked for General Motors in the 1980s. The company could have located anywhere, but they set up shop in Auburn Hills, enticed by a grant worth more than a half-million dollars.

The governor says when it comes to selling Michigan to high-tech, "green" companies, the pitch is easy. "We are hungry. We have the workforce that is available. We can make a good business case for you to do it," says Granholm.

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