LANSING — Wisconsin-based JD Castings Inc. is expanding into Iron Mountain with a project expected to create up to 24 new jobs, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Tuesday.

The project includes a total private investment of $770,000 with the support of a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. Iron Mountain was chosen for the expansion over the company’s existing facility in Niagara, Wis., according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“JD Castings’ expansion in the Upper Peninsula underscores the strength of Michigan’s business climate and will create good-paying jobs for our skilled workforce,” said Whitmer. “This is great news for workers and their families as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work.”

Whitmer began a three-day Upper Peninsula tour Tuesday, meeting with businesses and visiting communities to hear from them and talk about her economic jumpstart plan.

JD Castings provides services for foundries that produce castings for the automotive, agriculture and other industries. The company is at capacity at its Wisconsin facility and is experiencing increased customer demand. It plans to purchase a vacant building in Iron Mountain to accommodate expanded operations and allow for additional space for growth.

“JD Castings is expanding into Iron Mountain because of the readily-available facility that will allow for significant growth in the future and the access to the talented workforce Michigan has to offer,” said JD Castings President Rod DeClark. “The MEDC, Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance and other local partners all provided support with the expansion, and will serve as valued partners as we continue to grow our team.”

“We are pleased to welcome JD Castings to Michigan as they create 24 new advanced manufacturing jobs and tap into a robust, highly skilled talent pool that stretches across all corners of the state,” said Josh Hundt, chief business development officer and executive vice president of the MEDC. “We appreciate the efforts of local partners in Iron Mountain to support this project and will work with JD Castings as it continues to grow and add jobs for Michigan residents.”

“The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is pleased to welcome JD Castings to the Iron Mountain community and we look forward to working with the company as they grow their team and expand into their new facility,” said DAEDA Executive Director Lois Ellis.