M A K E IT IN M ICH IG A N EC ON O M IC D EV EL OP M EN T G U ID E 2 02 5-2 02 642 2 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE CONTENTS T AB L E O F 08 MICHIGAN BY THE NUMBERS I N V E S T M EN T P R O F I L E 12 KETTERING UNIVERSITY 14 WHY CEOS CHOOSE MICHIGAN 16 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18 PURE MICHIGAN IN PICTURES 26 A CONVERSATION WITH GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER Michigan’s governor outlines her winning strategy for economic development. 30 A TALK WITH TEAM MICHIGAN e leaders of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation share how they help companies nd the right place to grow. 38 AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE A new o ce and a new leader are making Michigan a top place for defense and amplifying Michigan’s pro le as a defense state. 42 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING How Michigan supports innovation, advances Industry . , and brings people into the next generation of manufacturing. 47 MOBILITY AND AUTOMOTIVE Companies that choose to operate in Michigan become part of a rich tradition and legacy, joining an ecosystem of competitive advantages in the global auto industry. 52 SEMICONDUCTORS Michigan is shaping the future with a rapidly growing semiconductor industry, bringing chip production back to the U.S. WELCOME TO MICHIGAN 26 06 52 30 384 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 58 CLIMATE CHANGE PREPAREDNESS In the face of climate change, Michigan has the infrastructure, critical natural resources, and legislative policies to o er businesses support and stability. I N V E S T M EN T P R O F I L E 62 CONSUMERS ENERGY 64 CLEAN ENERGY/CLEAN TECH Revolutionary clean energy and clean tech companies are nding success in Michigan. 68 MICHIGAN’S TALENT POOL Michigan recently rolled out multiple initiatives to attract and retain top talent statewide. 73 PLACEMAKING How Michigan supports communities with revitalization and placemaking e orts. 77 WHY COMPANIES INVEST IN MICHIGAN A Team Michigan approach makes Michigan a very easy state to work with, as proven by the state’s large jump in annual Site Selection rankings. 81 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT e MEDC o ers a lot of new and exciting programs and incentives in the state’s economic development toolkit. 84 INTELLECTUAL AND RESEARCH ASSETS University partnerships create strong homegrown talent in Michigan. 88 INVESTMENT-READY SITES A revamped MI Sites Program and Site Selection Readiness Program deliver quality spots to growing companies. 92 AGRIBUSINESS AND FOOD PROCESSING Michigan’s agricultural diversity and food processor opportunities are strong and getting stronger each year. 58 77848892 73 TAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU ENJOY Read the digital edition on your tablet and phone. Click on links within articles for even more information. SHARE Share the magazine on social media with your network and community. LINK Feature the magazine on your blog, website, or newsletters with a link or one of our easy-to-use tools. siteselection.com/issue/michigan- development-guide-2025 The publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway Data, nor the Michigan Economic Development Corporation assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) 446-6996 • FAX: (770) 263-8825 • TOLL FREE: (800) 554-5686 email: editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/cc/michigan Michigan Economic Development Guide is published by Conway Data, Inc. 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 USA. PRINTED IN USA. ©2025 Conway Data, Inc. ON L I N E E D ITI ON Publisher/Director LAURA LYNE Executive Vice President RONALD J. STARNER Editor in Chief ADAM BRUNS Editor Emeritus MARK AREND Managing Editor KELLY BARRAZA Senior Editor GARY DAUGHTERS Associate Editor ALEXIS ELMORE Assistant Custom Content Editor LINDSAY LOPP Art Director NEGIN MOMTAZ Production Coordinator/Designer BOB GRAVLEE Lead Designers SEAN SCANTLAND RICHARD NENOFF Designer ASHLEIGH PORTER Data Services Manager KAREN MEDERNACH Senior Research Associate BRIAN ESPINOZA Research Associate McKENZIE WRIGHT GLOBAL SALES & MARKETING Vice President of Sales CHARLES FITZGIBBON Regional Director — Northeast U.S. MIKE GLENNON Regional Director — Midwest U.S. CATHY McFARLAND Regional Director — Southeast U.S. MARTA RUSSELL Regional Director — Western U.S. PAUL NEWMAN Regional Director — U.S. MARGARET ROSE Europe BRENDAN DOHERTY, +44 7999 786752 Japan HIROKO MINATO, +81 50 8882 3456 Korea CHUL LEE, +82 2 466 5595 Sales Administrator CHRISTI STANSBERRY Sales Development Representative BRE ROGERS BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Chief Financial Officer DEBBIE PORTER Accounting Associate DAVIS WILSON CIRCULATION Circulation Manager JULIE CLARKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TEAM Director of Programming & Analytics DANIEL BOYER IT Coordinator MARK BERTRAM Webmaster DANIEL MONAGHAN M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 5I NTR O Michigan 6 M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE North Bar Lake, Michigan Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan Welcome toDEAR READER, Welcome to the - Michigan Economic Development Guide, where we celebrate the people, places, and projects that make Michigan not only a great — and Great Lakes — state, but a smart investment for your future. At the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and across Team Michigan, we understand that site selectors play a crucial role shaping the future of business and industry. Whether you’re seeking strategic locations, access to talent, infrastructure assets, or long-term partnerships, Michigan o ers the right combination of resources to support growth, innovation, and resilience. In this Michigan Economic Development Guide, we invite you to explore the pillars (People, Places, and Projects) that make up the state’s comprehensive Make It in Michigan economic development strategy. is framework focuses on creating opportunities for talent and entrepreneurship to ourish, building vibrant communities where families want to put down roots, and ensuring Michigan continues to win projects in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and other forward-looking industries. e Make It in Michigan strategy aims to bene t all Michiganders — current and future. As you peruse these pages, you’ll discover the stories that bring this strategy to life, from thriving towns and recreational opportunities that can only be found in Pure Michigan to startups rewriting the future of tech and legacy businesses choosing Michigan again and again. Whether you’re already a Michigander, a frequent visitor, or someone looking to make Michigan the destination for your next business venture, there’s no time like the present to experience all that we have to o er. In this special issue of Site Selection Magazine, we will show how you can join us and Make It in Michigan. Sincerely, Team Michigan M I C H I G A N E C ONOM I C DE V E L OP ME N T G UI DE 7 Team Michigan Next >