"Kmart, under the new leadership of Chuck Conaway, is makingsignificant strides in restructuring their corporation for maximumprofitability," Engler said. "The fact that Troy is part of thisnew plan shows Kmart's continued commitment to Michigan and provesthe quality of the local workforce."

The new center will be located on West Big Beaver Road, nearKmart's world headquarters. It will require a company investment ofabout $50 million, including building renovations and equipmentpurchases."Troy is excited about the continual growth of KmartCorp. on Big Beaver Road. The latest investment will lead the wayto a more technologically competitive company," said John Szerlag,Troy city manager. "The nearly $50 million project will upgrade andequip an 80,000-sf facility near its headquarters."

Of the new jobs, 303 spin-off jobs will be created fromincreased spending by people who receive income from the jobs atthe company, according to an economic analysis done by theUniversity of Michigan.A key feature of the MEDC incentives packageis a Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) tax credit, approvedMonday by the MEGA board, worth an estimated $15.9 million over 14years. MEGA, which is administered by the MEDC, is used to promotequality economic growth, job creation and retention in Michigan. Inaddition, the incentives package includes job training assistancevalued at $450,000 for new employees at Kmart's high-techdevelopment center.