LANSING, Mich. — The expansion of two Michigan companies is expected to create 155 new jobs in the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday.

Matrix Consulting Engineers, Inc. and HexArmor said they are expanding business in Kent and Eaton counties.

“Today, we are investing in advanced manufacturing companies across Michigan to create 155 good-paying jobs and grow Michigan’s economy,” Whitmer said. “Michigan-based companies in every corner of our state are open for business and on the move, and I’ll work with anyone to help them grow and succeed. Congratulations to Matrix Consulting Engineers and HexArmor for their exciting announcements. Let’s keep working together to grow Michigan’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and help more families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Matrix is expanding their mechanical and electrical engineering operations in Delta Township by acquiring and renovating a 35,000 square-foot facility with a $385,000 grant from Michigan Business Development Program’s (MBPD) Michigan Strategic Fund, creating 55 new jobs with starting pays of $25 per hour with benefits, according to officials.

“Growing high wage and four-year degreed jobs, especially this many engineering jobs, in our community is a major priority and we are thankful to Matrix for making this choice and we are also grateful to the MEDC and Delta Township for their amazing work to make this building and investment happen,” Bob Trezise, president and CEO of Lansing Economic Area Partnership, said. “The new headquarters will provide the company with an ideal location for continued growth and the professional services they offer will complement the thriving office, commercial and industrial sectors in Delta Township.”

Officials said the MBDP grant is meant to help offset the costs associated with renovating the building and ensure no job loss in the region.

In addition to the grant from Michigan Strategic Fund support, Delta Township offered Matrix a “locally approved commercial rehabilitation tax exemption” valued at $100,000.

The expansion is expected to generate $5.12 million in capital investment for Eaton County.

HexArmor, established locally in 2002, is expanding their headquarters, adding 59,000 square feet and creating 100 new jobs with starting wages “more than the regional median wage” for Grand Rapids.

“We’re thrilled to announce the continued growth and expansion of our facility in Grand Rapids,” HexAmor CEO Steve VanErmen said. “Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan community have played a pivotal role in our success, making it a natural choice for further investment. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for HexArmor, and we’re eager to continue building on our strong foundation here.”

The MBDP provided a $700,000 grant to HexArmor through their Michigan Strategic Fund.

The expansion will triple product holding and processing potentials and offer more office space for workers, according to officials. An additional $11.4 million in capital investments are expected to be generated from the expansion.

Matrix provides customized renovation and design in the public and private sectors, and has projects in parts of the campuses of Michigan State University, Lansing Community College and Hillsdale College.

HexArmor designs manufactures and sells personal protective products including gloves, eyewear, helmets, hearing protection and safety footwear.