Downriver Today

Detroit is starting to make inroads in the apparel industry as a national nonprofit manufacturer will be expanding operations at its facility due to the demand of one of its clients.

According to a news release from the Michigan government, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) was joined on Aug. 22 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that sewn trades-based Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) will be expanding its facility.

“We’re pleased to celebrate ISAIC’s continued growth and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs and provide greater opportunity for Detroit residents,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman in the release. “We are grateful to the governor and legislators for the continued support of the Jobs Ready Michigan program. We’re proud to partner with DEGC, the city of Detroit and ISAIC as it builds on Detroit’s manufacturing heritage and innovative spirit and creates a booming fashion hub in the Motor City.”

ISAIC established its Detroit operations in 2017 and its objective is training highly skilled people in the sewing industry.

“This expansion by ISAIC, a national sewn trades nonprofit that regularly partners with Carhartt, will create 74 good-paying manufacturing jobs in Detroit and build on our economic momentum,” said Whitmer. “I will work with anyone to invest in our hardworking people and innovative businesses so they can thrive. Right now, Michigan’s economy is growing. Unemployment is low, we have added 133,000 jobs in the last 12 months, and we continue to build on our manufacturing heritage. Our future is bright and investments like this one by ISAIC will help us continue moving our state forward.”

ISAIC is being backed by a $259,000 Jobs Ready Michigan grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund in order to make a $550,000 capital investment with its Detroit location beating out competing sites in Missouri and New York.

“The MEDC has been on the forefront of fostering not only our state’s existing industries such as auto and mobility but also supporting emerging sectors in the advanced manufacturing of product including apparel. In addition, it will help to support our continued collaboration with the Advanced Robotic Manufacturing Institute,” said Jen Guarino, ISAIC CEO. “We are grateful for the MEDC support of ISAIC and our impact on our community.”

ISAIC will add machinery and equipment at its facility in Detroit after finding new opportunities with a current client.