Stryker Corp.'s groundbreaking ceremony for its $154 million research and development facility in Portage, Mich. drew more than 250 people July 24 under sunny skies and with a sunny outlook for the future of the company.

The groundbreaking featuring company officials and government leaders ushers in what will be the beginning of actual building construction on July 26.

The project for the 75-acre development includes a 485,000-square-foot facility with a customer experience center, functioning showroom and R&D and bio-skills labs. It will also have space for sales, marketing and support functions. In total, it is projected to retain 966 jobs and create an additional 105.

"I love the sight of dirt," said a smiling Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo, as he looked over the acres of earth moving that includes roads and site preparation. "It means we are growing. This is going to be a flagship site for the company, not just here in Southwest Michigan but globally."

Spencer Stiles, president of the Stryker Instruments division, called it a "major milestone for this organization." It is more, he said, than bricks and mortar. It also represents "an opportunity to connect with our global customers," innovation opportunities and culture and engagement that focuses on Stryker employees.

Source: MLive