On March 20, 2026, Great Lakes Sound & Vibration (GLSV) celebrated the expansion of its Franklin Township facility. This ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of an $8.5 million-dollar project and 26,000 square feet of new space the company will use to enhance their manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including United States Congressman Jack Bergman and Michigan State Representative Greg Markkanen.
Great Lakes Sound & Vibration is an innovative solution provider for sound and vibration mitigation challenges in the North American defense market. They are a vertically integrated company with all aspects of design, engineering, and manufacturing performed in-house. They’ve been a longstanding client of MTEC SmartZone, engaging in programming and professional development opportunities to support their leadership and business growth. Most recently, GLSV attended MTEC’s Reimagining Leadership Conference this past February. Their participation displays their strong commitment to innovation, openness to new ideas, and continuous improvement.
This expansion increases the company’s ability to, “Do projects for the Navy, for instance, large projects, large hardware, and capacity has increased almost an order of magnitude for us,” says Steve Mattson, GLSV CEO. “[GLSV can now] do more work faster [and] help solve the nation’s challenges in building ships.” This project was supported by funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund in 2025, as well as a significant investment from the region’s defense manufacturers. GLSV plans to add 32 new employees, which brings its total workforce to 100 full-time members.
This investment reflects the company’s upward trajectory and the economic momentum building across the greater UP. The expanded facility will support GLSV’s growing portfolio of contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, including work with the U.S. military and private contractors that produce military vehicles, ships, and aircraft. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provided $400,000 towards the expansion through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant (https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2025/02/90-jobs-houghton-county/).
MTEC is proud to support companies like GLSV that are not only driving innovation in the manufacturing space but also strengthening the Western UP’s economy. This expansion demonstrates what’s possible with a combination of cutting-edge solutions, growth, and strategic state support. As GLSV continues to grow, the company is positioned to play an increasingly critical role in the regional economy and national defense supply chain.
For more information about GLSV expanding operations, see the MEDC’s article here.
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About MTEC SmartZone
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) SmartZone is one of 21 SmartZone Incubators in the State of Michigan. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization directed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), their mission is to accelerate high-tech businesses growth in the region. Since 2003, MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies that has led to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton/Hancock area. For more information, visit mtecsz.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and email mtec@mtecsz.com.
About MEDC
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. MEDC’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation initiative establishes Michigan as the place to create and grow a business by providing high-tech start-up companies with access to a variety of critical resources, such as funding and expert counsel, from ideation to maturation. For more on MEDC Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit michiganbusiness.org/entrepreneurship.