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Commission approves transfer of tax-abated industrial slot to Trane, citing $23 million investment and about 250 jobs
Summary
The Kentwood City Commission approved transferring an industrial facilities exemption certificate to Trane (Train US Inc.), preserving a roughly $23 million investment and expanding expected jobs from about 80 to roughly 250, city staff said during a public hearing.
The Kentwood City Commission voted to transfer an industrial facilities exemption certificate (IFEC 2025-037) to Train US Inc., a subsidiary of Trane Technologies, after a public hearing and staff presentation.
City staff said the project preserves the same approximate capital investment — about $23,000,000 — that had been tied to a prior grantee (Snackcraft), but will substantially increase local employment. Lisa (city staff) told commissioners that the Snackcraft expansion is not progressing and the company requested to step aside; Train US Inc. is proposing to occupy the planned space and expand in its place. Lisa said the Snackcraft project had been expected to create about 80 jobs; Train US's proposal projects about 250 jobs.
Gordon Shaw, a Trane Technologies representative, told the commission the Kentwood facility would manufacture air-cooled chillers. Shaw said the jobs the company expects to create are full-time positions; the operation will start with one shift and could add a second shift as production ramps up. He said some temporary summer hires are used periodically and that locally based applicants will be welcome.
Commissioners asked about the types of positions, pay ranges and timelines. Shaw said he could follow up with more detailed staffing and pay information; he estimated a timetable for hiring and facility start-up near the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter of the year. Commissioners also pressed about potential traffic, parking and energy impacts; Shaw said the site has enough parking and described Trane's corporate emphasis on efficiency.
After questions and no public opposition, the commission moved and adopted the resolution to transfer IFEC 2025-037 to Train US Inc. by roll-call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Mosley, Tyson, Arts, Moore, Morgan and Major Keppley; the motion passed.
The transfer preserves the project's stated investment level in the local tax-abatement paperwork and increases the estimated job creation tied to the facility. City staff will file the formal transfer paperwork and follow the statutory procedures for IFEC transfers and abatement notifications.
Next steps: city staff will finalize the transfer documents and Trane representatives said they will provide additional details about hiring plans and operating specifics to the city upon request.
