Lansing, Mich. (May 19, 2026) — Michigan officials have approved a series of business development projects across Southeast Michigan that are expected to create 650 new jobs and generate more than $97 million in capital investment statewide.
The projects, located in Troy, Detroit and Fenton, were approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board and supported through performance-based grants from the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP). The investments span electric vehicle manufacturing, advanced construction technology and food and beverage processing, reinforcing Michigan’s continued focus on advanced manufacturing, mobility and innovation-driven industries.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said: “Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in industries like agribusiness and advanced manufacturing.”
Gov. Whitmer added: “Today’s announcement will create 650 good-paying jobs and cement Michigan as the best place to build the future.”
State economic development leaders said the projects demonstrate continued confidence in Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem, workforce and research capabilities.
Quentin L. Messer Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, said: “Today’s approved projects not only indicate a vote of confidence in the Michigan location advantage but also reflect the strengths of Michigan’s industries and our leadership in key areas, from manufacturing and agribusiness to EVs.”
Slate Auto Expands Troy Headquarters
Electric vehicle manufacturer Slate Auto received approval for a $5 million performance-based grant to support expansion of its North American headquarters in Troy.
The company plans to invest approximately $10.4 million and create at least 392 new jobs, including engineering, design and corporate positions over the next five years.
Slate, which launched operations in Michigan in 2022, recently added a Sterling Heights facility and currently employs more than 325 people statewide. The company said Michigan’s automotive ecosystem and access to mobility-sector talent played a major role in its decision to continue expanding in the state.
Peter Faricy, Chief Executive Officer of Slate Auto, said: “Slate will benefit from the impressive talent pool and innovative ecosystem that has long been a tradition in the state of Michigan.”
Company officials noted that Slate has already secured more than 150,000 reservations for its affordable electric pickup truck, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2026.
Fenton Food and Beverage Launches New Manufacturing Operation
The MSF Board also approved a $960,000 performance-based grant and additional tax incentives for Fenton Food and Beverage LLC, a newly formed company planning to invest up to $56.2 million in a food and beverage manufacturing facility in Fenton.
The project is expected to create at least 96 jobs with anticipated wages averaging more than $33 per hour plus benefits.
The facility is connected to Canadian-based YaYa Foods Corp., a major North American producer in the plant-based beverage market. The new Michigan operation is expected to utilize advanced extraction technology designed to improve production efficiency for plant-based milk alternatives.
Yahya Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of Fenton Foods, said: “Michigan stood out early in our site selection process, and Fenton offered the right combination of access, workforce and partnership.”
State officials noted that Michigan competed against multiple Midwest and Southeast states for the project.
Alquist 3D Establishes Detroit Robotics and Engineering Center
Colorado-based Alquist 3D received approval for a $1.6 million grant to establish a manufacturing and research facility in Detroit focused on robotic 3D concrete printing technologies.
The company plans to invest more than $31 million and create up to 162 new jobs over five years.
The new Robotics and Engineering Center of Excellence will be located within Detroit’s growing technology corridor at Newlab and will support robotics manufacturing, engineering development and workforce training initiatives tied to advanced construction technologies.
Alquist selected Michigan over several competing states, citing Detroit’s manufacturing heritage, workforce capabilities and engineering talent.
Patrick Callahan, Chief Executive Officer of Alquist 3D, said: “Detroit is one of the great manufacturing cities in the world, and we believe it is the right place for Alquist to enter this next stage of growth.”
The company is also partnering with educational institutions across Michigan to expand workforce development programs tied to 3D construction printing and robotics technologies.
Additional Redevelopment Project Approved in Ann Arbor
In addition to the business expansion projects, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved support for a Transformational Brownfield Plan tied to a new 20-story mixed-use residential development in downtown Ann Arbor.
The project is expected to generate approximately $209 million in capital investment and include 330 housing units along with commercial space.
Together, the approved projects reflect Michigan’s continued efforts to strengthen advanced manufacturing, mobility innovation, agribusiness and emerging technology industries while supporting long-term job creation and economic growth across the state.
