Rigaku Innovative Technologies to invest $57M in Auburn Hills operations

Rigaku Innovative Technologies, a subsidiary of Rigaku, plans to expand its presence in Auburn Hills. The high-tech manufacturer plans to invest $55.7 million in its Auburn Hills operations and create 27 jobs. "We have already started the expansion," says Jim Rodriguez, vice president of business development for Rigaku Innovative Technologies. Rigaku Innovative Technologies manufactures high-tech optical products. It plans to expand into new markets, including the semiconductor industry, and grow its capabilities for research-and-development and production operations in Auburn Hills. The company has already hired three people in recent months, bringing its Auburn Hills staff to 46 employees and some summer interns. Rodriguez expects the company to hire a few more later this year. Rigaku Innovative Technologies won a $2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. It also received a 12-year property tax abatement valued at $241,146 from the city of Auburn Hills. "This is our home," Rodriguez says. "We are happy to be here." Source: Jim Rodriguez, vice president of business development for Rigaku Innovative Technologies Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.