ATS Printing’s Expansion Gets the Go‑Ahead in Monitor Township

On a crisp Tuesday morning, the Monitor Township board convened at the community center and, after a lively discussion, gave the nod to ATS Printing’s expansion plans. The decision, while welcomed by many, sparked a handful of questions from residents who stopped by the meeting to voice their thoughts.

ATS Printing, a long‑standing employer in the Saginaw Bay area, is looking to add roughly 30,000 square feet to its current facility. That extra space will house newer, more efficient printing presses, a larger shipping dock, and a modest office wing. In plain terms, the company says it means they can take on bigger contracts and, crucially, create about 25 to 30 full‑time jobs over the next two years.

“We’re excited to grow,” said Maria Delgado, plant manager at ATS Printing, during a brief Q&A. “More capacity means more work for the community, and we’re committed to keeping our footprint as clean as possible.” She went on to assure the board that the new equipment meets the latest EPA standards and that runoff will be filtered through an upgraded wastewater system.

The board’s approval came after a short public comment period. Some locals expressed worry about traffic on County Road 14 and the potential for increased noise after hours. In response, ATS pledged to limit nighttime operations and to coordinate deliveries during off‑peak times. They also offered to fund a modest road‑improvement fund, which the township will consider in its next budget cycle.

Mayor Karen Hughes, who cast the decisive vote, noted that the expansion aligns with the township’s economic‑development goals. “We want to attract businesses that provide solid wages and stay mindful of the environment,” she said. “ATS has been a good neighbor for years, and this growth feels like a natural next step.”

While the approval is a win for ATS Printing, the conversation isn’t over. A citizen‑led advisory committee will meet monthly to monitor construction progress, traffic patterns, and any environmental impact. The first phase of construction is slated to start in early September, with the aim of finishing by the end of next spring.

In short, Monitor Township gets a boost in jobs and tax revenue, and ATS Printing gets the room it needs to keep up with demand. As both sides keep the dialogue open, the community hopes the expansion will bring more good than hassle.