Walbro Engine Management Plant in Cass City, MI Plans to Expand

Cass City, WI -- July 25 -- A Michigan Strategic Fund grant to Walbro Engine Management LLC will help the business expand in Cass City and create 28 new jobs.

The company plans to invest about $4.2 million in its facility with help from a $165,000 grant.

Walbro Engine Management was established in 1950 in Fenton and relocated to Cass City in 1954. It is a manufacturer of carburetors, ignition systems, fuel storage systems, and other components for power equipment, marine, and recreational applications.

Those interested in employment opportunities with Walbro should visit www.walbro.com/careers.

“Walbro Engine Management has been in Cass City for 60 years, and I’m proud that they chose to expand and create jobs right here in the Thumb,” said State Rep. Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) noting the company chose its Cass City location for the expansion over a competing site in Mexico. “This is a great example of state and local officials working together with businesses to support the local economy and improve our communities.”

“This grant is excellent news for Cass City,” said U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township). “I applaud this grant to help Walbro Engine Management LLC with their expansion, and I believe it will have a significant economic impact on the community.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund was created in 1984 to promote economic development and create jobs in Michigan.

Cass City Village officials also offered Walbro a 12-year property tax abatement.

Mary Drier        www.michigansthumb.com

CPC Settles Lawsuit with Oregon Parts Company

Janesville, WI -- January 4 -- Certified Parts Corporation (CPC) announced the settlement of its patent infringement case against Blount Industries, the owner of Oregon Parts Company. The lawsuit accused Blount of selling certain carburetors covered by patents owned by CPC as part of its purchase of certain assets of

TecumsehPower Company. The litigation sought an immediate stop sale and damages from Blount for sales of the infringing carburetors.

Under the terms of the settlement, Blount (Oregon) has agreed to immediately stop sale of the carburetors and destroy all inventory in the distribution channels and at their facilities. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

“We are pleased this case was settled in our favor,” stated James Grafft, CEO of Certified Parts Corporation. “We will vigorously pursue any case of illegal use of our intellectual property. The patents and designs we own are a vital part of our efforts to re-introduce engines previously manufactured by TecumsehPower to the market.” The engines Grafft referred to will be produced under the original Lauson brand name which dates back to 1895, making it America’s Oldest Engine Company.

Certified Parts Corporation purchased certain assets of TecumsehPower Company in 2009, and provides production engines and parts for TecumsehPower (Lauson) engines. In 2010, CPC purchased the assets of Hoffco/Comet and has restarted production in their Wisconsin facilities. CPC is also a large supplier of vintage parts for the recreational vehicle industry.