LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approval of a wide range of projects, that, in total, will create 1,869 jobs and generate more than $550 million in investment in Michigan. Projects include three Magna expansions in Southeast Michigan, a Utah-based electric vehicle manufacturer bringing its headquarters and 300 high-wage jobs to Auburn Hills, community revitalization projects in Chelsea and the village of Shelby, needed infrastructure and placemaking improvements around the state, and actions that grow opportunities for Michigan’s small manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

“Today’s project approvals will create more than 1,800 good-paying jobs while supporting vibrant communities and funding infrastructure improvements throughout the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have announced over 30,000 auto jobs and brought home critical supply chains of chips and batteries. By working together, we can continue growing our economy, creating opportunity in every region of our state, and shoring up our leadership in the future of mobility and electrification.  will work with anyone and compete with everyone to advance economic development in Michigan.”

Utah-based EV manufacturer relocating headquarters to Auburn Hills, creating 300 high-wage jobs

VIA Motors Inc., is an American electric commercial vehicle manufacturer with advanced electric drive technology mobility solution for a wide variety of electric commercial vehicles. The company has approximately 85 employees globally.

VIA is being acquired by global EV company Ideanomics.  In order to accelerate its growth electric vehicle production, the company plans to relocate its headquarters from Utah to Auburn Hills, where it has identified a building that will house its headquarters as well as an R&D tech center.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $12.3 million and create up to 300 high-wage jobs, supported by a $2.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in California and Utah.

The project will further boost Michigan’s efforts to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. VIA chose Michigan because of the state’s robust supply chain for electric vehicles and mobility. In addition, the company expects to benefit from the knowledge, skill level of talent in the auto industry and the state’s leadership in the industry, as it continues to grow.

The city of Auburn Hills plans to support the project through talent attraction and marketing. Individuals interested in careers with VIA should visit https://www.viamotors.com/via-delivers/careers/.  

“Our goal is to provide the best electric work trucks for fleets everywhere, and this facility is critical to achieving that goal,” said Bob Purcell, CEO of VIA Motors. “We’re excited and proud to partner with the city of Auburn Hills and the State of Michigan, tapping into the region’s automotive expertise to help global fleets shift towards a zero emission, commercial electric vehicle future.”

“We are excited to welcome VIA Motors to the Auburn Hills community. Their expertise in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions are a welcomed addition to our growing EV solutions sector,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “This investment continues to build on Auburn Hills’ reputation as a great place to invest and do business. We appreciate their confidence and look forward partnering with them to provide an environment where their business can grow and thrive.”

“We’re a region and state of innovators, it’s in our DNA. Via Motors is a high-tech company that’s going to be headquartered in the Detroit Region as we continue to deliver cutting-edge automotive and advanced mobility technology to the world,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership. “The Detroit Regional Partnership is proud to support the MEDC and Oakland County on this project.”

Three expansions by Magna are expected to generate a capital investment of more than $526 million and create 1,569 jobs, further boosting Michigan’s leadership in future mobility

Magna is mobility technology company and one of the largest suppliers in automotive whose roots go back to 1957 when the company began working with General Motors. Today, Magna makes everything from seats to powertrains and is the only auto supplier to build complete vehicles. Magna’s products include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, electronics, mechatronics, mirrors, lighting, and roof systems. The products the company manufactures can be found on most vehicles today. Michigan is Magna's U.S. corporate home and the state with their largest U.S. footprint. Magna operates 32 facilities in Michigan and employs more than 10,000 Michiganders.

The company today announced three expansion projects in Michigan, including:

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan, Inc., St. Clair – The company has recently secured a new contract to supply battery trays for electric propulsion vehicles produced in the Midwest. In order to house the new business, Magna will need to expand at its St. Clair facility, where it will create an additional 920 jobs and make an additional investment of $426.6 million.

To support this project, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved an amendment to the company’s previously approved Michigan Business Development Program grant from $1.5 million to $7.5 million and a 15-year, 100 percent State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) exemption for the company valued at up to $6,304,520 for its $287.5 million eligible investment.

Magna Powertrain of America, Shelby Township – The company has been awarded new business from an existing customer to manufacture internal components for battery trays of electric vehicles and plans to lease an existing facility in Shelby Township, where it will invest $96.1 million and create 159 jobs, supported by a $1.3 million MBDP grant.

Magna Seating of America, Highland Park – The company plans to bring in new assembly equipment for the frame lines and redeploy equipment from its sub-supplier at its facility in Highland Park. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3.7 million and create 490 jobs, supported by a $2.9 million MBDP grant.

“The expansion of Magna will provide great job opportunities in our community,” said Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). This growing sector is critical to the future of our economy, and I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and my colleagues to make sure Michigan is well positioned to attract companies that will invest in Michigan workers.”
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