BATTLE CREEK, MI -- Johnson Controls said it will invest $118 million to retool operations in the Holland and Battle Creek, Mich., areas, creating or retaining hundreds of jobs rather than move production to Ohio and Mexico.

The auto parts maker is to receive $17.4 million in tax credits from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. for the combined projects. In addition, Holland Township granted the company a $4.8-million tax break and the City of Battle Creek offered to forgive $5.4 million in taxes.

In the Holland area, the company said Tuesday it will make metal seat adjusters and tracks in a deal that will add 300 jobs there by year's end and 525 in all when it reaches full production in later years.

In Battle Creek, the company ceased production of door panels in December and laid off its entire workforce of more than 180 employees.

Work will begin immediately to retool the 200,000-square-foot plant to produce seat frames, creating about 225 positions, Johnson Controls said.

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