Hundreds of New Mobility Jobs Coming to Michigan
In February, Governor Whitmer announced a number of initiatives that will not only help to elevate Michigan’s position as a mobility leader but bring in hundreds of good-paying job opportunities to the state’s workforce.
The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) recently approved $7.5 million in funding to Ford Motor Co. to support new programs at the Michigan Central Innovation District in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. Specifically, the MSF grant will help to activate the district by creating the right conditions for high-skill, high-wage job creation, workforce development, and startup growth. As part of the agreement, the funds must be used to create at least 2,500 non-Ford jobs within the district.
Simultaneously, a number of business expansions in Oakland County and beyond are helping to bring new jobs to the market:
- LM Manufacturing — a joint venture between Magna and LAN Manufacturing Group — plans to begin manufacturing seating assemblies for Ford and will locate its operations in an existing facility in Detroit. The project is expected to create 390 jobs.
- LER TechForce, LLC, a global leader in resident engineering and automotive engineering resources, will be expanding its engineering services and technician program in Pontiac, creating 220 high-wage jobs.
- Drivetrain and electrified propulsion system supplier, Dana Limited, will establish a new Electric Vehicle technology center in Novi, where it will house electrification R&D and engineering. The project is expected to create up to 150 high-wage jobs.
- Electric Components International will establish a global Business and Engineering Solutions Center in Southfield, creating 57 high-wage jobs.
- U.K.-based Expert Technologies — a newly formed subsidiary of the Expert Technologies Group — will establish its first U.S. operations in Auburn Hills, creating 43 high-wage jobs.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PLANNED PROJECTS
EGLE Offers Grants to Repower Freight Switchers and Marine Vessels With Clean Engines
A $9 million Request for Proposal (RFP) for the replacement or repowering of freight switchers, and the repowering of ferry boats and tugs, is now accepting applications through Sept. 23, 2022. Recently announced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the RFP also includes the installation of shore-side power for vessels that operate within the Great Lakes.
Grants will range from $100,000 to $5 million, and funding amounts will be between 25 percent and 70 percent of the project, depending on the type of ownership and technology chosen. Projects that choose to replace or repower engines with zero emission technologies, like electric and hydrogen fuel cells, qualify for the highest funding percentages.
“This is a great opportunity to reduce emissions from rail and marine sources to help improve air quality in neighboring communities and protect the environment. While cars get the most attention, other transportation sectors are also integral to Michigan’s transition to zero emission or cleaner fuels,” said Elizabeth Browne, director of the Materials Management Division at EGLE.
A webinar explaining the RFP application process will take place April 6 from 10-11 a.m. ET. Anyone interested in the grant opportunity or responsible for project management is encouraged to register here.
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