ZEELAND, Mich. (WOOD) — JR Automation breaks ground Wednesday on a $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland, a 286,000-square-foot facility that will consolidate three West Michigan locations and house about 350 employees.

The project, set for completion in fall 2026, will sit on a 45-acre campus with office and manufacturing space. Company officials said the site will support carbon neutrality goals with renewable energy, prairie restoration and expanded public walking and bike paths. JR Automation aims to reach zero waste by 2030.

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The expansion is expected to create 150 new jobs while freeing up industrial real estate in nearby Holland. Founded in Holland in 1980, the automation manufacturer was acquired by Hitachi in 2019 and now operates in several U.S. states, as well as Singapore and Europe.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called the project an example of state investment in innovation. Company leaders said they chose Zeeland to strengthen roots in West Michigan.

A groundbreaking ceremony with JR Automation’s CEO is scheduled for 10 a.m.