Report: New job projections multiply for massive new manufacturing project in Genesee County

Plans to redevelop a large swathe of land near Flint into one of Michigan’s largest manufacturing operations are getting even bigger—with recent reports calling for a $55 billion investment that will create up to 10,000 new jobs.

MICHIGAN—A 1,200-acre parcel of land in rural Mundy Township appears to be on the fast-track to becoming the single largest manufacturing operation in the state of Michigan, with plans now reportedly calling for a $55 billion investment that will create 10,000 new jobs.

The project—known as the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County—has been in the works for several months, and involves buying up a large chunk of land near Flint, preparing it for redevelopment, and then enticing a major manufacturer (with tax incentives) who would invest billions of their own dollars, set up shop on the land, and create thousands of new jobs.

Union workers and community leaders have voiced support for the plan, and state lawmakers approved $250 million in grant funding to support the project this summer, which, at the time, had only called for a $2 billion investment that would go on to employ about 2,000 people.

But according to the latest reports from the Detroit News and Crain’s Detroit Business, the redevelopment project is now expected to generate up to a $55 billion investment and 10,000 new jobs—which could mark the largest economic development project in state history. 

“An investment on that scale would be generationally transformational for Genesee County and also for the state, particularly if it were in the semiconductor space. I’m hopeful that the efforts are successful,” state Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, told Crain’s Detroit on Tuesday.

Sources with knowledge of the project—which has been code-named “Project Grit”—also told the Detroit News that state officials are courting a microchip manufacturing company for the redevelopment plans, naming the California-based Western Digital Technologies as one firm that’s considering building a new manufacturing operation on the property in Genesee County.

Western Digital reportedly manufactures computer hard drives and portable storage disks and flash drives under the SanDisk brand. Its CEO, David Goekeler, registered as a lobbyist for his company in Michigan in August, according to reports from the Detroit News. 

Here’s the deal:

In recent years, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance has contemplated a range of plans for a 1,200-acre tract of mostly vacant farmland in Mundy Township near the Bishop International Airport—including for engineering, robotics, or another “high-tech” manufacturing operation.

Those plans still aren’t final, as developers haven’t yet publicly disclosed any manufacturers that might be interested in setting up shop on the property. But based on recent reports, the plans appear to be inching closer to fruition—and getting bigger.

The new, 10,000 jobs figure reportedly includes direct and contract employees. Another 5,000 construction workers would also be hired to help build the facility. And whatever company sets up shop on the land is also expected to invest between $35 and $55 billion of their own cash over a 10-year period—marking the largest economic development project in recent state history, perhaps ever, should it materialize, according to reports from Crain’s Detroit. 

Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance, declined to provide any additional information to The ‘Gander Newsroom on Wednesday afternoon. 

“The Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County is among the best sites in the country, and we have seen great interest from companies looking to create thousands of jobs and invest billions of dollars,” Rossmaessler said. “While we do not talk about specific projects or companies, we can confirm there continues to be robust interest in this one-of-a-kind site, and we remain confident that a transformational project that will create jobs, opportunities for young people and investment in our community is poised to happen in Genesee County.”

The situation is still fluid. State officials have reportedly been asking individuals to sign non-disclosure agreements to get information about the finer details of the project.

In response to questions from The ‘Gander, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office deferred comment to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), which sent a statement in response:

“We aren’t able to comment on potential partnerships or projects that may be underway with specific companies,” MEDC spokesman Otie McKinley said. “As always, any support we may offer to a company would be shared in a public meeting of the Michigan Strategic Fund board. Team Michigan remains committed to securing job creating projects that will lead to opportunities for young people, more foot traffic for small businesses, including local shops and restaurants, and increased revenue for local schools, public safety and roads—all benefiting Michiganders throughout the state for decades to come.”

Why here?

Economic development officials have said that the forthcoming project—and the new jobs—will help to ignite a manufacturing comeback for the Flint region, which has seen a decades-long economic decline that’s only been exacerbated by the water crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

The land in Mundy Township is also the state’s most development-ready, large-scale site after Ford took land in Marshall for an electric vehicle battery plant and plans for a megasite in Eagle Township near Lansing were shelved due to local opposition, reports Crain’s Detroit Business.

In part because of the property’s proximity to the Motor City and other major manufacturers, officials have said the site also “has everything an advanced manufacturer would need to thrive”—including access to highways, railroads, and the nearby Bishop International Airport.

“Genesee County put the world on wheels. We’re good at making things,” Rossmaessler told The ‘Gander earlier this summer. “Access to talent, the intersection of I-69 and I-75, the infrastructure—power, gas, and water—and being in the Detroit region provides so many great opportunities for this site.”

What’s next?

The recent state funding to support the project came from the state’s Strategic Site Readiness Program, which provides grants, loans, and other assistance to prepare land for redevelopment projects, attract investments from big-name companies, and ultimately create more jobs.

The Flint & Genesee Group has used those funds, in part, to buy up more land to grow the property, as well as for demolition and preliminary preparation work at the so-called “megasite.”

The project’s future is now dependent on billions of dollars in federal CHIPS and Science Act funding, as well as a state incentives package, reports Crain’s Detroit. State and local contributions, including tax abatements, are expected to total more than $22 billion on their own. Additional development grants from the state are also expected to total to about $1.5 billion. 

The Biden-Harris administration could reportedly make a decision about federal funding for the project at any time—which could then trigger a final decision from a manufacturing company, followed by legislative action for state incentives, and finally, a sign-off from the governor.

What are people saying?

Dozens of organizations and businesses across Genesee County have signed a public letter to show their support for the ongoing efforts to attract a manufacturer into the Flint region. 

And in a series of interviews with The ‘Gander, business and community leaders also united behind the plans—citing a wide range of expected benefits for the regional and state economy.

Population loss has been repeatedly cited among the greatest threats to Genesee County’s economy—with the 2020 Census showing a loss of nearly 20,000 residents since 2010. Local real estate agent Kristy Cantleberry said the job growth could help invigorate the local real estate market, in addition to enticing developers to build more affordable housing in the area.

“It’s going to bring a ton of economic growth to our community, which is what Genesee County needs, so I’m excited about it,” Cantleberry said. “Genesee County and Mundy Township have seen their fair share of hard economic times. If you bring in a big manufacturing site, it’s going to create jobs. And with jobs, comes the need for housing. So, it’s really all very exciting.”

Officials have said the jobs likely to come to the manufacturing project would include positions that would be well-paying—but not necessarily require a college education. But for those specialized jobs that do require a degree, the University of Michigan-Flint is standing ready.

“We can develop the talent, but if there’s nowhere for the talent to work, it’s not a workable equation,” said Christopher Pearson, the dean at the College of Innovation & Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint.  “The numbers they’re talking about are just astronomical. I think if this does come to fruition, it would obviously have a huge economic impact for the area.”

Local businesses—and entertainment venues—are also supportive of the project because of the “trickle-down” effect that new local workers could have on the broader Flint area economy.

“It’s going to keep more people in Genesee County, employed in Genesee County, and going to go shopping and out to eat in Genesee County,” Mark Sinila, director of the Flint Cultural Center told The ‘Gander. “They’re also going to attend events and shows in Genesee County.”

And with the prospect of new patients, even the local healthcare system is on board.

“It’s no secret that individuals with health insurance will seek preventative care more than individuals who do not have access,” said Karima Amlani, president of the Hurley Foundation, which supports the nonprofit Hurley Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. “Good paying jobs mean good benefits, which mean access to health insurance and access to preventative care.”

As the granddaughter of a former General Motors assembly worker, Amlani also said that she grew up with a “romantic” notion of what it means to be a part of the middle class—and is excited to see more opportunities created for future generations across Mid-Michigan.

“It won’t be a romantic idea anymore. We have this possibility right here that families can flourish, they can stay together. They don’t have to move out or move away just to seek a livable income and a good life,” Amlani added. “We know what it means to have investment in our community and we know what it means to lose that investment. So, for those of us who’ve lived through it long enough, I think we’re really excited to have this opportunity of investment.”

READ MORE: Labor unions eye ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ in Genesee County

For the latest Michigan news, follow The ‘Gander on Twitter.

Follow Political Correspondent Kyle Kaminski here.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 7:37 p.m. to include additional comment from state officials.