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Michigan named a “top state” for new manufacturing jobs and investment; award recognizes projects in Detroit among state’s biggest wins

Jun 16, 2021

Powered by the creation of 2,619 new jobs statewide and more than $441.8 million in private investment, Area Development has awarded Michigan a Manufacturing Gold Shovel. The magazine recognized Michigan as a top state for new manufacturing jobs and investments in its 2021 economy awards.

Among the local projects earning Michigan the title in its category were:

  • Bridgewater Interiors: an automotive seating manufacturing company specializing in just-in-time manufacturing, sequencing and delivery of complete seat systems for various OEMs in the automotive industry.
  • Dakkota Integrated Systems: a manufacturing and technology company that supplies assembly and sequencing services for the OEM automotive market and will operate on a portion of the former Kettering High School.
  • Detroit Manufacturing Systems: a certified, minority-owned, Tier 1 auto supplier, specializing in the manufacturing and assembly of vehicle modules headquartered in Detroit.

“This Manufacturing Golden Shovel Award is a recognition of our ongoing economic jumpstart,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As we emerge from the pandemic together, we will stay laser-focused on creating good-paying, high-skill jobs here in Michigan and investing in working families and small businesses.”

DEGC is proud to play an integral role in the state’s ongoing job creation and new investment. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the global economy, our staff remains committed to executing our business attraction and retention strategy. This includes promoting the strength of our local workforce, Detroit’s historic automotive manufacturing leadership, and our ability to close deals.

Our success in growing Detroit’s economy is in large part linked to the successful execution of our industrial land strategy, which aims to secure and prepare formerly vacant sites for productive use. Examples include Stellantis’ $2.5 billion manufacturing complex in Detroit that will employ 5,000 workers, the initial land assembly that allowed for Dakkota Integrated Systems to develop in Detroit, and the former Cadillac Stamping Plant that is expected to employ 450 workers. Demolition is near completion on the Cadillac Stamping Plant site, which has been vacant and blighted for several years. Our team is working with developers to conduct environmental remediation and prepare the site for a new industrial facility. Both the Stellantis and Cadillac Stamping Plant facilities will prioritize hiring Detroit residents.

Thanks to our partnership with the City, State and region, Detroit has reemerged as a competitive location for companies to build and grow. With new investment comes jobs, infrastructure improvements, new spin-off businesses, and a host of benefits to Detroiters and their communities.

Area Development’s Annual Gold & Silver Shovel Awards are presented annually to states that have achieved significant success in terms of job creation and economic impact. Michigan was recognized for “a host of headlines related to its automotive sector, including opportunities linked to the growth of interest in electric vehicles.” Michigan received a Silver Shovel Award in 2019 and 2020.

Read more about Michigan’s Manufacturing Golden Shovel Award here.

Michigan is ranked sixth in the nation for total jobs created by foreign direct investment and has been ranked the top state for FDI job growth over the past five years by Global Business Alliance. Detroit was also ranked the number one metropolitan area for FDI projects by Site Selection Magazine this year.

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