International Bio Agriculture Company to Add Jobs in Hartland

A new international bio agriculture firm in Hartland — Koppert USA — is hiring and the news is the latest in positive business developments in the area.

Just last week held a job fair and a GameStop and a Vietnamese cafe express have plans to enter vacant spaces in the Shops at Waldenwoods shopping center.

"We are almost full," said Hartland Township Assessor Jim Heaslip.

Officials have noted that about 90 percent of commercial space is currently occupied — and there's plenty of land available for more development, such areas now anchored by Meijer and .

In addition, Heaslip said there were 36 new businesses in the township by the end of 2010, although some did replace several others that have left or gone out of business.

The news also is tempered by the overall slow economy and a string of closures in the area this year, including and Washtenaw Community College's satellite campus at the .

But GameStop is replacing Blockbuster's space while Koppert represents a transformation in the area economy, Heaslip said. It is housed in a 44,000 square foot building that formerly was LDM Technologies, an auto supply plant at 1502 Old U.S. 23 that closed in 2007 had been vacant since. Starting in late 2010, the company began transforming the plant into a space for multiple labs for biological crop protection and natural bumblebee pollination.

"To take an old industrial building and build labs inside is a real different use," he said.

The company, based in the Netherlands, started to move in several months ago from a Romulus location and held its grand opening Aug. 26 — an innovative change for that building, Heaslip says.

The firm employs about 40 and is looking to hire in production, management, sales and administration, according to Daniel Frank, who handles the company's marketing. Those interested are asked to email: info@koppertonline.com.

“A new building means a new home for Koppert USA — a place in which we can comfortably further our business, our employees and from which we can service our customers," said the company's general manager Rene Ruiter in an news release.

"To be able to invest in a new home is a great accomplishment and reflects our past and current success, nonetheless it is not a destination, it is a new beginning of an era in which we anticipate further growth and opportunities to advance biocontrol and pollination.”

Jana Warford, executive director of the , says the new businesses and hiring is hopeful, although she does know that some existing businesses that continue to struggle.

"I am thrilled to see people come into Hartland," Warford said. "I can't but help feel that things are looking up. … (Despite some services leaving), I still think Hartland has a lot of offer."