DuPont subsidiary expands EV materials production in Midland; Legacy Port Huron Paper revitalizes historic mill in St. Clair County
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced two major business expansion projects in Midland and St. Clair counties that together will generate $44.5 million in capital investment and create 104 new good-paying jobs in Michigan.
The projects—led by DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC, a DuPont subsidiary, and Legacy Port Huron Paper Company, LLC, a subsidiary of BMI Group—underscore Michigan’s continued momentum in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle supply chains, and sustainable packaging.
“In every corner of our state, people and businesses are choosing Michigan to grow and thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s $44 million investment and the creation of more than 100 good-paying jobs is another win that positions Michigan as a leader in EV materials and food-grade packaging. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create opportunity across our state.”
“These expansion announcements highlight the strength of Michigan’s business climate and the confidence employers have in our state,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Our skilled workforce and collaborative partnerships continue to give companies the confidence to reinvest and grow here.”
DuPont Subsidiary Expands EV Materials Production in Midland
DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC, a subsidiary of DuPont de Nemours, Inc., announced plans to expand its Midland facility with a 6,000-square-foot addition to support a new production process serving the global electric vehicle market.
The project includes additional truck docks, warehouse capacity, and a five-story manufacturing structure designed to accommodate advanced thermal adhesive technologies used in EV battery systems. The expansion is structured to minimize disruption to existing operations while enabling next-generation manufacturing.
“We are sincerely grateful to the State of Michigan and the MEDC for their support,” said Ron Thompson, DuPont Michigan Operations Site Leader. “This investment allows us to advance innovative technologies that support Michigan’s automotive future while strengthening the local economy and workforce.”
Founded in 1802, DuPont employs approximately 12,000 people globally. DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC is headquartered in Midland and operates five Michigan locations, employing roughly 450 Michigan residents.
“This investment reflects Midland’s deep technical expertise and readiness for innovation-driven operations,” said Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development for the Midland Business Alliance. “We’re proud to support a project that strengthens Midland’s global relevance while delivering long-term community value.”
The Midland expansion is expected to generate $20 million in capital investment and create at least 22 new jobs, with starting wages of $30 per hour plus benefits—more than $9 above the regional median wage. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant in support of the project.
While DuPont evaluated locating the project at facilities in China or Germany—where labor costs can be significantly lower—the company ultimately chose Michigan due to the state’s comprehensive EV ecosystem spanning mobility, energy, infrastructure, and battery development. Additional support includes anticipated local real property tax abatements and a State Education Tax abatement approved by the MEDC.
Legacy Port Huron Paper Revitalizes Historic Manufacturing Campus
Legacy Port Huron Paper Company, LLC, a subsidiary of BMI Group, announced plans to repurpose nearly 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space across nine buildings in Port Huron, breathing new life into a historic paper-making campus.
The project will transform existing facilities into modern warehousing, papermill manufacturing, and industrial operations to meet rising demand for domestically produced, sustainable specialty and food-grade packaging.
“By bringing experienced papermakers and skilled trades professionals back to work, we are honoring Port Huron’s legacy while positioning the company for long-term growth,” said Tim Wight, General Manager of Legacy Port Huron Paper.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Ontario, BMI Group specializes in revitalizing underutilized industrial sites—particularly former pulp and paper mills—to restore economic opportunity in legacy manufacturing communities.
“The production of quality paper is woven into Port Huron’s history,” said James R. Freed, City Manager of Port Huron. “This project puts our skilled workforce back to work and shows the world that Michigan continues to compete and win.”
The Port Huron project is expected to generate $24.5 million in capital investment and create at least 82 new jobs, with starting wages of $27 per hour plus benefits, exceeding the regional median wage by more than $5 per hour. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $1 million performance-based MBDP grant to support the project.
“This investment is a true win for Port Huron and the state of Michigan,” said Bruce Seymore II, Vice President of Business Services at the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. “Reopening a historic paper mill creates high-quality jobs and strengthens the city’s tax base.”
The site is located within a designated HUB Zone, and MBDP funding will help offset significant machinery upgrades and facility renovations, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to revitalizing legacy industries.
“This grant will bring jobs back to Port Huron and support long-term economic growth for our community,” added State Rep. Joseph Pavlov (R-Kimball).
Those interested in employment opportunities with Legacy Port Huron Paper can apply here.
About the MEDC
Investment and job creation figures represent commitments made by the businesses to the State of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in performance-based agreements, with funds disbursed as milestones are achieved. Agreements are subject to amendment or cancellation if commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides an annual public report on all agreements to the state legislature.
