Farmers Ins. to expand in west Mich., create 1,600 jobs

By AP

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, MI – Farmers Group Inc. says it will expand its Grand Rapids-area campus, creating 1,600 jobs.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm joined representatives of the Los Angeles-based insurer Tuesday to announce the project.

The announcement was made moments after state officials granted $62 million in tax incentives for the project over 18 years.

Farmers will construct two new buildings totaling 275,000 square feet at its campus in Kent County's Caledonia Township. One building will house offices, a training facility and call-center space. The other will be a print and distribution center.

The buildings are expected to open in spring 2011.

Farmers says it provides more than 100,000 customers in Michigan with homeowners, auto, life and business insurance.