Consumers Energy's Pure Michigan Business Connect Awards $170 Million; More Work and Job Creation for State Firms

JACKSON, Mich., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More Michigan companies are getting contracts and creating jobs as a result of Consumers Energy's new "Michigan preferred" purchasing strategy.

Since joining the state's Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) initiative, Consumers Energy has awarded state firms $170 million in new multi-year contracts.  The company is on track to meet its commitment of increasing spending with Michigan companies by $50 million in the first year of the initiative.

Doing more business with Michigan companies and helping create jobs in the state is the goal of Consumers Energy's commitment to the Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative, launched by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC). 

"Pure Michigan Business Connect complements our role as a key economic engine in the state.  Our suppliers are responding favorably to this initiative, which is providing companies here more opportunities to grow and add jobs.  We fully expect to reach our commitment to this initiative," said Daniel Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president, distribution and customer operations. 

Consumers Energy's commitment to increase its spend in Michigan by $250 million over the next five years is in addition to its $2 billion annually spent in the state.  These investments are in customer service, electric and natural gas operations, energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental stewardship.  Consumers Energy celebrates its 125th anniversary on Dec. 6 and is one of the largest investors in Michigan.

Companies interested in doing business with Consumers Energy are encouraged to visit the MEDC's website – www.michiganadvantage.org/Business-Connect -- or Consumers Energy at www.consumersenergy.com/puremichigan  

Consumers Energy's second report on its Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative highlights the following:

• A total of 11 Chevrolet Volts have been purchased from Michigan automotive dealerships.  These include:  Art Moehn Chevrolet, Jackson; Berger Chevrolet, Grand Rapids; and Merollis Chevrolet, Eastpointe.
• BP&R Engineering & Construction, Holland, received a contract for installation of air quality equipment at the Karn/Weadock Generating Complex in Essexville.  The company, founded 26 years ago, is also doing work at the utility's White Pigeon compressor station, Ray compressor station and the Ludington pumped storage plant, jointly owned with Detroit Edison.  "We're extremely proud to support Consumers Energy on its key major projects in Michigan.  The economic benefits to the state will help Michigan families grow," said Don Knottnerus, BP&R Engineering & Construction.
• Soil preparation work for the utility's first wind park – the Lake Winds Energy Park near Ludington, Mason County – is being done by Superior Environmental Corp. in Marne.
• HM Environmental Services, Mt. Clemens, received a contract for pole yard renovation work at the utility's Lansing and Battle Creek service centers.  This contract helped HM Environmental Services maintain its workforce, hire two new employees, and resulted in significant purchase of materials from suppliers in southern Michigan.
• Terra Contracting, Kalamazoo, was also awarded multiple pole yard renovation projects for Consumers Energy's facilities.  This project, along with several other utility projects, is keeping up to 20 Terra employees on the payroll as well as causing Terra to purchase additional capital equipment.  "The reach of the Consumers Energy spend goes well beyond our company.  Pre-qualified subcontractors, material suppliers and equipment manufacturers all provide their products and services in Terra's execution of these projects," said Steve Taplin, Terra's chief executive officer.
• Shively-Bouma, Jackson, received a contract for renovation work at Consumers Energy's  Parnall Complex in Blackman Township.  This project will employ 37 trades workers from Michigan-based subcontractors.  Most of the construction materials for this renovation will be purchased from Michigan-based suppliers.  Shively-Bouma is a locally-owned construction company with more than 30 years of service in Jackson. 

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE:  CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy