Michigan continues to position itself as a top state for doing business with a focused agenda on mobility, transportation and manufacturing. As a leader in transportation innovation, the state is moving towards a future of electrification and mobility by making key developments to retain and attract top automotive and mobility companies. All the while, a laser-focused yearslong infrastructure improvement plan is addressing and rebuilding key travel routes.
To support its thriving business sector and communities across the state, Michigan has launched the Rebuilding Michigan Program and MI Future Mobility Plan to bolster electric vehicle (EV) and semiconductor production, implement a stronger transportation and logistics network, engage a high-quality workforce and maintain a low cost of living.
Since 2020, Michigan has improved the state’s transportation and logistics network with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan Program. The five-year plan is funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation, which has allocated $3.5 billion in funds to finance new and modified road construction projects across the state. The program aims to improve state highway and bridge infrastructure, address key corridors and rebuild major segments of heavily travelled interstates. To date, a total of 45 new road and bridge projects have been created.
The Rebuilding Michigan Program plays a vital role in strengthening the state’s transportation network by improving an already solid foundation of roads, waterways and jet streams – culminating in an unbeatable global and national reach for companies. With busy ports in Detroit, the most active international border with Canada and 18 commercial airports, Michigan is a strategic hub for businesses of all types.
With a strong transportation network, companies like the Big Three, Borg Warner, Penske and Stellantis have all either stayed or expanded in the Mitten State.
Led by transportation innovations in EV and assisted driving, Michigan continues to move forward with the MI Future Mobility Plan, which is designed to cultivate Michigan’s mobility industry while complementing the state’s economy, workforce and infrastructure priorities toattract top mobility and electrification suppliers, manufacturers and maintenance providers. Through the MI Future Mobility Plan, the state’s first objective is to grow the state’s mobility industry and reach its goal of creating 20,000 new jobs in mobility- and automotive-focused industries by 2026.
Michigan is starting to see major projects come to the state as part of the MI Future Mobility Plan, including the recent $3.5 billion investment by Ford Motor Co. With this investment, Ford is building the country’s first automaker-backed lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. The plant – dubbed the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan – will initially employ 2,500 people when production begins in 2026.
With Ford’s announcement, Governor Whitmer stated that the investment will further establish Michigan as a leader in mobility and electrification, while uplifting local families, small businesses and the entire community.
After unveiling the MI Future Mobility Plan, Michigan also secured the following investments:
- Michigan-based Our Next Energy announcing a $1.6 billion investment to establish its first cell and EV battery pack gigafactory in Van Buren Township, creating up to 2,112 jobs.
- Gotion announcing a $2.36 billion investment for a new manufacturing facility in Big Rapids, creating up to 2,350 jobs.
These announcements build upon years of major EV and battery developments from in-state, national and international companies, accounting for billions of dollars in investments. Over the past several years, announcements have included:
- Stellantis increasing its presence in Michigan. In 2021, the company expanded its user experience and design groups, forming a new “Software Experience” team.
- General Motors (GM) announcing a $7 billion investment in Michigan, the largest in the company’s history.
- LG Energy Solution announcing a $1.7 billion expansion creating 1,200 jobs in Holland manufacturing batteries.
- Canadian EV charging network operator FLO announcing an investment of $3 million for the company’s first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills.
These major developments in Michigan’s EV, battery and mobility ecosystem have been noticed on a national scale, with national recognition in the first months of 2023. In a recent Newsweek article, the state was dubbed the “Next Silicon Valley” for automotive technology, and CNBC reported Michigan is among the top three states that will “dominate” electric battery manufacturing in the U.S. by 2030.
Michigan also rose to No. 14 overall in Area Development’s 2022 Top States for Doing Business rankings, following a survey of experts highlighting states ready for doing and growing business.
Michigan is leading the world through its forward-thinking approach towards mobility and electrification by investing and rebuilding its transportation and logistics network. Innovative new policies and attractive incentives coupled with the Rebuilding Michigan Program and the MI Future Mobility Plan have played a vital role in securing thousands of jobs while creating a plethora of opportunities for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
At the forefront of technology and autonomous innovation, Michigan is writing the future of infrastructure and mobility.
Explore the state’s business resources and incentives and discover how Michigan is boldly driving the world forward at michiganbusiness.org/pure-opportunity.
