LOWELL, MI - Attwood Marine, a division of Mercury Marine that makes boating parts and accessories, announced it will invest in a $2 million expansion that will add 80 jobs.

"We are delighted to expand at our Lowell location," said Jim Fox, president, Attwood Marine in a news release on Wednesday, May 3. "This location is well-suited to accommodate our accelerated growth plans."

Located along the banks of the Flat River, Attwood started in 1893 in Grand Rapids as a parts maker for carriages and hearses and added marine parts in 1905. In 1964, the company became a subsidiary of Grand Rapids-based office furniture maker Steelcase Inc.

In 2003, Steelcase sold Attwood to Lake Forest, Ill.-based Brunswick Corp., which owns Mercury Marine. In 2009, Mercury Marine closed plants in Texas and Oklahoma and consolidated operations in Lowell, where it now employs 210 workers.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced Wednesday, May 3, that it will support the new development with a $492,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

"Michigan has long been known as the Sportsman's Paradise. With the resurgence of the boating industry, we are fortunate that Attwood has chosen Lowell as the place to expand its world-class marine business," said Thad Rieder, senior business development manager, The Right Place economic development program.

"The Right Place is grateful to have collaborative partners in the MEDC and West Michigan Works!, both of whom are committed to creating jobs in our area."