JR Automation Zeeland headquartersHolland-based JR Automation generated a buzz when it announced on Sept. 3 that it was doubling down on its West Michigan roots and building a new $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland. JR Automation is a key example of Michigan manufacturing, having grown from a small tool and die shop to a global powerhouse in industrial automation technology. Despite its acquisition by Hitachi Ltd. in 2019, it is evident that JR Automation is committed to staying local for the foreseeable future. “When Hitachi acquired JR Automation, they continued to invest in the business,” Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation, said at the groundbreaking ceremony. If the planning commission adopts those resolutions, the rezoning requests would likely be considered by city council on Oct. 20.