LENNON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A Genesee County company is growing into neighboring Shiawassee County as it expands and begins building the world’s first autonomous dredging machines.

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LJ Inc. has outgrown its current space in Swartz Creek, where it employs 115 people.

The company is purchasing 50 acres of land in Venice Township so it can build a 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The expansion is expected to create 250 new jobs in advanced manufacturing.

The new site will be used to build the world’s first autonomous dredges; the dredges remove sediment from boating or maritime shipping channels and make waterways deeper.

The company plans to invest $18.25 million in the project. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. will award a $2.5 million grant if LJ Inc. creates the 250 jobs.

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