Tesla Motors LLC is making its first investment in the state of Michigan with the purchase of Riviera Tool and Die in Cascade.

The township is welcoming Tesla to the state with what might be considered an unusually large tax break.

The Township Board voted Wednesday, Jan. 27, to approve the transfer of the remainder of a Recovery Zone tax abatement, which was awarded to Riviera Tool and Die for a period of 10 years with up to 100 percent of tax relief during the first six years, falling to 75 percent, 50 percent and 25 percent during the final years of the abatement.

Rivera Tool and Die, received the Tool & Die Renaissance Recovery Zone designation in 2009. The abatement was made possible by the Renaissance Recovery Zone program implemented to aid ailing industries after the 2008 economic downturn.

In 2015, Tesla Motors Inc. purchased Riviera Tool & Die, 5460 Executive Parkway, which is located in the Meadowbrook Industrial Park.

The function of the facility has remained essentially the same, but now serves Tesla Motors and Tesla Motors suppliers exclusively, said Steve Peterson, township planning director.

The original tax agreement called for 100-percent abatement of tax for 2010-2016, 75 percent in 2017, 50 percent in 2018 and 25 percent in 2019. Specifically that means that for the current year, Tesla will be relieved from paying all taxes with the exception of property taxes related to bonds, special assessments and school sinking fund obligations.

Tesla has retained most of the Riviera staff, with current employment standing at just over 100, which "is up from 88 since they took over," said Peterson. "In addition, they told us that four large machines have already been purchased and are coming to the Cascade plant."