Whitmer Ushers in Hundreds of New Jobs to Michigan—Including Some From Overseas

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spent the last week in Europe meeting with business leaders and trying to lure big-time supply chain investments into Michigan. And she came back with hundreds of new jobs for Michiganders.

LANSING—Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has returned from a one-week mission to France and Germany, where she focused on bringing jobs, investments, and high-tech supply chains back from overseas, as well as making a quick stop to visit members of the Michigan National Guard.

And throughout the week, she sent back some valuable souvenirs—in the form of new jobs. 

“I will go anywhere, work with anyone, and compete with everyone to grow Michigan’s economy, bring supply chains home, and create good-paying, high-skilled jobs across our state,” Whitmer said in a statement. “We are taking this opportunity to tell Michigan’s incredible story, build relationships that bring more jobs, investments, and the supply chain to Michigan.”

Here’s a quick overview of some of the new jobs announced in Michigan within the past week:

196 New Jobs in Oakland County

On Tuesday, Whitmer announced that Expleo USA is establishing its first North American research and development facility at a yet-to-be-determined site in Oakland County. The Paris-based company has a long history in vehicle engineering and testing—and is reportedly experiencing increased demand for its electronic, mechanical, and digital engineering services.

State officials said Expleo decided to pick Michigan over competing sites in the US and Canada in order to stay closer to the Motor City and the state’s automotive supply chains. The company will also likely receive yet-to-be-determined state tax incentives for making the move. 

“Expleo chose to invest in Michigan because of our strong mobility business environment, inclusive laws, skilled workforce, and ongoing economic momentum to ensure anyone can make it in Michigan,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Together, we have created powerful economic development tools to bring supply chains of cars, chips, and batteries home.”

The project is expected to create at least 196 “high-wage” jobs in Michigan, Whitmer said, adding to the 82,000 jobs that have been announced across the state over the last year. 

“Everyone knows that in Michigan, we make things. But Expleo’s choice to plant their North American flag here in Michigan is a huge testament to our talent, unparalleled creativity, and our future,” state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) said in a statement. “It’s a sign that Michigan is the ideal place to imagine, design, engineer, and dream up what’s next—and a tremendous sign that we’re well on our way to securing our future in the knowledge economy.”

Need a job? Click here to check out career opportunities with Expleo.

45 New Jobs in New Hudson

On Wednesday, Whitmer announced that DESign USA will establish its first US headquarters and first US manufacturing operations in New Hudson—investing a total of $19 million to build a new, 153,000-square-foot automotive manufacturing facility and hire at least 45 Michiganders.

“Michigan was chosen for this expansion over South Carolina because of our talented workforce and strength in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification,” Whitmer said in a statement. 

DESign is a large global automotive manufacturer headquartered in South Africa, which has completed projects for Ford, BMW, Stellantis, Tenneco, and other big-name manufacturers. Its new facility in Michigan will be used to design and build automotive automation equipment. 

State officials said the upcoming project—which will be supported by a $467,000 state economic development grant—is poised to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in the automotive manufacturing industry, and could lead to future expansions and investments in the state.  

“We’re seeing a steady drumbeat of investment from global suppliers and manufacturers because they recognize the Detroit Region as the densest automotive and mobility cluster in the world,” Maureen Donohue Krauss, president of the Detroit Regional Partnership said in a statement. “We not only make things here. We make the things that make things, through cutting-edge tooling technology with world-class engineering talent.”

Need a job? Email [email protected] for more details about career opportunities.

100 New Jobs Across Michigan

On Thursday, Whitmer announced that Eaton Corporation is planning to expand its research operations in Marshall—and create 100 “high-wage” jobs for Michiganders in the process.

The international power management company provides energy efficient products and services for a variety of industries, and is working to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. Its latest plans include a $20 million expansion to its facility in Marshall, creating a new lab for research and development on a wide range of electric vehicle components. 

“Michigan was chosen for this investment over numerous other locations because of the strength of our legendary manufacturing workforce, inclusive laws and our robust business climate that welcomes companies of all sizes,” Whitmer said in a statement. 

The project will be supported by a $600,000 state economic development grant—which also helped entice the company to expand in Michigan rather than pick one of several competing development sites in Missouri, Oregon, Wisconsin, Poland, China, India, and France. 

The 100 new employees will focus on electrification research, which will include a mix of new and legacy hires across its Marshall, Southfield, and Canton locations.

“Eaton’s expansion demonstrates that Michigan is a top-tier location to attract emerging industries and invest in new technology,” said state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “If you want to create, innovate, and compete in the global economy, make Michigan your home.”

Need a job? The new positions are predominately for mechanical and electrical engineers, and electro-mechanical technicians and software developers. Click here for more information.  

READ MORE: ‘Wins for the Entire State’: Big-Name Companies Plant Roots in Michigan

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