
DETROIT (January 28, 2024)—Building on Detroit’s century-long automotive heritage, the Michigan Strategic Fund today approved a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant to support Piston Automotive LLC’s planned hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing facility at the former State Fairgrounds property in Detroit. The move significantly advances the city’s zero-emission vehicle production capabilities.
The project will create 144 new jobs and generate $55 million in capital investment at a 200,000-square-foot facility. The positions will pay an average wage of $40.85 per hour plus benefits, significantly exceeding the regional median wage of $23.73 per hour.
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) and City of Detroit played an important role in securing the investment through multi-year relationship building with Piston Group’s leadership team. The Detroit support package includes an 8-year PA 198 real property tax abatement valued at approximately $683,515 and talent recruitment services through Detroit at Work valued at $500,000.
“The DEGC is proud to support this project. We’ve worked alongside Piston Group for years, and this investment shows why Detroit is a prime location for EV manufacturing,” said Kevin Johnson, DEGC President and CEO. “This expansion isn’t just about the capital investment and great-paying jobs – it’s about strengthening Detroit’s role as a hub for mobility innovation and creating real career opportunities for our residents.”
The project stems from a nine-year contract awarded to Piston Group to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells for a major automotive manufacturer. Founded by former NBA and Detroit Pistons star Vinnie Johnson, Piston Group is the largest African American-owned automotive supplier in the United States and ranks as the 24th largest automotive OEM supplier nationally.
“Vinnie Johnson and the Piston Group bringing hydrogen fuel cell production to this facility puts Detroit at the forefront of zero-emissions fuel cell production. It also continues the transformation of the former State Fairgrounds into a major employment center that is providing thousands of great job opportunities for Detroiters," said Mayor Mike Duggan.
The project faced competition from sites in Kentucky and Missouri but ultimately chose Detroit due to its proximity to customers, existing facilities and qualified workforce. This investment reinforces Detroit’s evolution from traditional auto manufacturing to a hub for advanced mobility technology, particularly in the growing hydrogen fuel cell sector. The facility will enhance the city’s capabilities in next-generation vehicle technology while building on its historic automotive expertise. Employees will receive comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
"Through our Global Epicenter of Mobility program, we’ve identified hydrogen fuel cell systems as one of the mobility technologies with the highest mid-term growth potential," said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. "Piston Group’s project is another exciting example of how zero-emission vehicle technology is driving economic growth and investment and keeping the Detroit Region at the forefront of advanced mobility."
For more information about career opportunities at Piston Group, visit https://www.pistongroup.com/careers/. Additional information on the DEGC can be found at www.DEGC.org.
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