JR Automation Unveils $72.8 Million Global Headquarters Plan in Michigan

JR Automation Announces New Global Headquarters in Zeeland

JR Automation Technologies, LLC, a subsidiary of Hitachi, has recently revealed an ambitious plan to construct a new global headquarters in Zeeland, Michigan, with a budget of $72.8 million. This announcement was made following a strategy meeting in Tokyo attended by executives from Hitachi, management from JR Automation, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The establishment of this new headquarters signifies the company’s dedication to fostering innovation, global collaboration, and investment in Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters is scheduled for September 17, 2025, and the construction is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2026. This project pays tribute to Ken Wassink, the visionary founder of JR Automation, whose pioneering spirit has helped establish Western Michigan as a hub for advanced automation. By situating its global headquarters in its founding location, Hitachi reinforces its commitment to preserving Wassink's legacy.

Yasuhiko Takeuchi, President and CEO of Hitachi America, expressed, "This investment reflects our long-term commitment to shaping the future of Integrated Industry Automation and Lumada through sustainable innovation. Enhancing JR Automation’s capabilities in Michigan will enable us to establish a groundbreaking technology hub that integrates digital twins, edge computing, and AI, creating a truly intelligent manufacturing ecosystem to deliver sustained value to our customers, partners, and shareholders."

The new headquarters will span a total area of 286,000 square feet, featuring 76,000 square feet of office space and 210,000 square feet dedicated to customer facing automation project assembly. Around 350 employees from across Western Michigan will congregate at this state-of-the-art campus. This expansion aligns with JR Automation's accelerated global outreach, facilitated by the acquisition of MA micro automation GmbH in Europe and the expansion of operations in Singapore.

Governor Whitmer remarked, "The new global headquarters of JR Automation is a strong example of the power of investing in innovation and building strong partnerships with global leaders like Hitachi. This project will sustain and create quality jobs, enhance advanced manufacturing, and further elevate Michigan’s status as a hub for cutting-edge technology."

Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and Head of Automation Division at Hitachi Industrial Digital Business Unit, mentioned, "JR Automation needs a space that supports customer engagement, showcases technology, and attracts top talent. The new headquarters will be centrally located in a vibrant automation and advanced manufacturing hub, further strengthening our connectivity and competitiveness within the industry."

The headquarters will feature modern spaces for co-creation with global customers and demonstrations of the latest automation technologies. With a focus on employee experience, the headquarters is set to include on-site fitness centers and workspaces designed to promote sustainable practices and connections to nature, thereby aiming to attract and retain exceptional talent. The 45-acre campus will also feature paved pathways for walking and biking, harmonizing with the native ecosystem.

Additionally, the new headquarters will play a pivotal role in helping JR Automation achieve its goals of carbon neutrality and zero landfill waste by 2030. Beyond maintaining biodiversity across the campus, the headquarters will showcase a commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement through renewable energy supply for non-production power needs.

Founded in 1980 as a family-run business in the automotive sector, JR Automation has grown into a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing technology. It was acquired by Hitachi in 2019 after receiving investments from two private equity firms during its rapid growth phase. Currently, JR Automation employs over 2,000 people across 21 locations globally, serving diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, energy, life sciences, and warehousing.

For more information, visit JR Automation.