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Gov. Whitmer Has Announced 30,000+ Jobs Since Taking Office

October 7, 2022

Michigan’s legendary auto industry continues strong growth as state supports critical supply chains of electric vehicles, batteries, and chips

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted Michigan’s strong auto industry job growth since she took office. This comes on the heels of yesterday’s news of Gotion’s $2.36 billion investment in Big Rapids creating 2,350 jobs to Big Rapids and Our Next Energy’s $1.6 billion investment creating 2,112 jobs in Van Buren Township. Since the governor took office, companies have announced 30,000+ good-paying auto jobs—from line workers to engineers—building on the state’s legendary automotive heritage and securing the future of mobility and electrification in Michigan.

“Michigan put the world on wheels and over the last few years, we have worked together to bring home transformational investments building on our legendary manufacturing heritage to grow our economy,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have announced over 30,000 good-paying auto jobs including major investments from the Big Three and projects building electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductor chips in Michigan, supporting critical supply chains. I will work with anyone and compete with everyone to build on our economic momentum, create good-paying jobs, and bring investment to every region of our great state.”

“General Motors’ investments in Michigan demonstrate our commitment to bring employees along on our transition to an all-electric future and create new economic opportunities in our home state,” said Mary Barra, General Motors Chair and CEO. “We appreciate the strong support from the state of Michigan, the Michigan Legislature, local municipalities as well as our collaboration with our workforce and LG Energy Solution that help make our future in Michigan bright.”

“Ford is proud to call Michigan our home, and we are happy to work with Governor Whitmer and state leaders to strengthen innovation, manufacturing, infrastructure, and create jobs,” said Ford Motor Company. “Since 2016, Ford has invested nearly $10 billion in Michigan and created or retained more than 10,000 jobs. Michigan is where Henry Ford’s Model T put the world on wheels, and it’s from Michigan that we’re carrying out the Ford+ plan to transform the company and industry into the electric vehicle future.”

“Stellantis remains fully committed to Michigan, with investments totaling more than $4.6 billion in recent years at plants across Southeast Michigan,” said Stellantis. “These investments to modernize our facilities are preparing Stellantis to meet its electrification goals, outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategy, and will keep the state at the forefront of the industry while providing good-paying jobs for residents.”

“Michigan has led innovation when it comes to autos, labor unions and now the transition to electric vehicles,” said Ray Curry, UAW President. “Governor Whitmer’s leadership has promoted all that the state has to offer. Our union looks forward to engaging with the next generation of EV workers as they seek a voice at work.”

“The MICHauto team applauds the bipartisan work that’s gone into bolstering the automotive and mobility workforce here in Michigan,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MICHauto and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Continued progress and commitment to attracting and retaining the best high-tech talent will ensure the longevity of this growth and the state’s global leadership in this space.” 

Here are selected investments by manufacturers of autos, batteries, chips, and auto supplies since Governor Whitmer took office:

Autos

  • GM
  • Ford
  • Stellantis
    • $4.5 billion, 6,433 jobs: first new auto plant in Detroit in nearly 30 years, game-changing investment for local workers.
    • $83 million: retooling the Dundee Engine Complex to build hybrids.

Electric Vehicles & Batteries

  • Gotion, $2.36 billion, 2,350 jobs: world-leading battery maker announces plant in Big Rapids, largest economic development investment in Northern Michigan ever.
  • Our Next Energy, $1.6 billion, 2,112 jobs: Novi-based battery maker announces new factory in Van Buren Township, building supply chain in Michigan using more sustainable materials.
  • LG Energy Solution, $1.7 billion, 1,200 jobs: manufacturer of large lithium-ion polymer battery cells and packs for electric vehicles quintuples production capacity at their Holland plant.
  • Rivian, $4.6 million, 100 jobs: manufacturer of electric adventures vehicles builds state-of-the-art, highly technical service support operations center in Plymouth.
  • Magna, $70.1 million, 304 jobs: producer of complex structural battery enclosures for electric vehicles builds new facility in St. Clair.
  • AKASOL, $40 million, 224 jobs: manufacturer of high-performance lithium-ion battery systems for commercial applications such as buses, commercial, rail, and industrial vehicles, ships and boats builds battery facility in metro Detroit.
  • FLO, $3 million, 133 jobs: electric vehicle charging solution company expects to produce 250,000 EV chargers by 2028, builds new facility in Auburn Hills.
  • XL Fleet, $1.2 million, 49 jobs: high-growth commercial vehicle technology company focusing on developing and producing cutting-edge technology to convert conventional vehicles into hybrids establishes R&D center in Wixom.

Semiconductor Chips (not counted in auto jobs total)

  • Hemlock, $375 million, 170 jobs: founded in Hemlock, MI, one of the longest-operating manufacturers of polysilicon in the world and the largest producer of high-purity polysilicon in the U.S., while also being the only U.S.-headquartered manufacturer. High-purity polysilicon, as the foundational material used to create semiconductor chips, is essential for all products in the electronic and solar power industries.
  • SK Siltron, $300 million, 150 jobs: manufacturer of critical silicon carbide wafers acquired and rehabilitated a facility near Bay City.
  • KLA, $150 million, 600 jobs: doubling their initial investment for new R&D facility in Ann Arbor, considered more than 350 North American locations before choosing Michigan, citing the area’s attractive business climate, logistical assets, and talent base.
  • Wacker, $50 million, 300 jobs created and supported: a pioneer in silicone and polymer technology who is the leading provider of polysilicon for the solar industry, innovator in biotechnology for food, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, and backs other industries including automotive, construction, paints, and textiles opens regional headquarters in Ann Arbor.
  • Calumet Electronics, $6.5 million investment, 80 jobs: one of very few manufacturers in the United States with the ability to make organic substrates, a critical component in all microelectronics, expands in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Auto Suppliers

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