Whitmer announces 320 high-wage jobs resulting from new business expansions in Oakland County

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on Thursday to announce 320 new high-wage jobs in Oakland County as a result of three new company expansions supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund. The expansions build on the growing momentum of economic growth across Michigan and further boost Michigan’s leadership position in automotive R&D and advanced manufacturing.

“Today’s expansions will help us stay focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and continuing to lead in the advanced manufacturing, R&D, and mobility spaces,”?said Whitmer. “These investments help us put Michiganders first and build on our leadership in mobility and electric solutions, bringing high-wage jobs to residents, and supporting business growth in our communities. Our economy is growing and projects like these in partnership with the MEDC will help us move Michigan forward.”

– Electric Components International establishing global Business and Engineering Solutions Center in Southfield, highlighting Michigan’s leadership in future mobility and electric vehicle solutions

Electrical Components International, Inc. (ECI) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electrical distribution systems, control box assemblies, and other critical engineered components for diversified industries. With 25,000 employees and 37 global manufacturing locations, ECI is partner to market leaders with more than 500 customers.  

ECI continues to grow and expand as the automotive industry shifts toward electric and connected vehicles. ECI plans to increase its presence in Michigan and establish a global Business and Engineering Solutions Center in the city of Southfield where it will house executive leadership staff and engineering operations. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.3 million and create 57 high-wage jobs, supported by a $760,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen as the ideal location to continue to expand the company's capabilities around engineering and technology.  

“We are excited to strengthen our position in Michigan and be part of a thriving technology ecosystem of business and university partnerships, focused on industry megatrends and driving innovation at an accelerated pace,” said Mike Balsei, CEO of ECI.  

The project builds on economic prosperity efforts led by MEDC and will provide opportunities for high-wage jobs to area residents. With this project, ECI will augment its team, attracting diverse top talent to be part of its growth story.

“The city of Southfield is pleased to welcome Electrical Components International to our ever-growing corporate community,” said Southfield Mayor Dr. Kenson Siver. “The city’s extensive infrastructure, access to a footprint of citywide fiber optics and central location are just a few of the many reasons why so many businesses choose Southfield. We trust that ECI employees will enjoy the many amenities and conveniences of working in Southfield – the Center of It All.”

The city of Southfield has offered a property tax abatement in support of the project. Oakland County Economic Development, through the Oakland County Michigan Works! program, assisted with a $180,000 training assistance grant.  

“Oakland County is pleased to welcome Electrical Components International (ECI) to Southfield, Michigan,” said Director of Oakland County Economic Development Ingrid Tighe. “This new research and business solutions center will bring good paying jobs to the community and Oakland County is committed to ensuring our highly skilled workforce is trained and ready for the jobs ECI will bring to our community through a $180,000 training assistance grant.”  

“The Detroit Region is excited to have ECI select Southfield for its new Business and Engineering Solutions Center, a move that speaks to our region’s standing as a premier location for corporate operations”, said Detroit Regional Partnership President and CEO Maureen Donohue Krauss. “Working with our public partners, we enthusiastically pursued this project building a strong business case around the region’s world-class talent base.”

Individuals interested in careers with ECI should visit www.ecintl.com/careers.

– U.K.-based Expert Technologies establishing first U.S. operations in Auburn Hills, creating 43 high-wage jobs

Expert Technologies Inc, previously known as Arrow Automation Inc., is a newly formed subsidiary of the Expert Technologies Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company provides industrial automation solutions to the auto, aerospace, electric vehicle and medical industries.  

Expert Technologies has been established to capture a share of the U.S. automotive automation market with its first U.S. facility in Auburn Hills. The location will serve as the Expert Technologies Group’s U.S. headquarters and will house C-suite executives, sales, engineering, assembly and back-office support.  

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2.7 million and create up to 43 high-wage jobs, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in South Carolina.

“Following the recent announcement of Expert Technologies Group expansion into the USA, Expert Technologies USA, based in Auburn Hills, enhances and further strengthens?the Expert Group global presence to deliver world-class innovation through the efforts of our talented team.

Expert Technologies have worked closely with the MEDC to?share our development plan for the future in Auburn Hills,” said Expert Technologies USA CEO Robert Eickholt. “The MEDC recognized and supports the expansion of Expert?Technologies by awarding a term grant. ?With this support Expert Technologies will continue to develop in the area and support our growing customer base.”

The project will further boost Michigan as the global leader in automotive manufacturing and future mobility and vehicle electrification, and will bring immediate, good jobs to area residents.?The company is well-positioned for growth and this new facility supports the potential for future growth and investment. Expert offers a variety of training opportunities to its employees that allow for promotion from within.  

“Oakland County is pleased to welcome Arrow Automation and Engineering Inc. to Auburn Hills,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “As a company focused on automation solutions, they are an excellent addition to our strong and growing manufacturing and technology base.”

“Arrow Automation and Engineering’s investment of $2.7 million with 43 new jobs over three years is exactly what the Michigan and Oakland County economies need as we grow and diversify for future prosperity,” said Oakland County Director of Economic Development Ingrid Tighe.
Michigan continues to be a top global destination for foreign direct investment from companies like Expert Technologies Group, with UK companies investing nearly $5 billion in Michigan between 2016-2020 and creating more than 10,800 jobs in the state.

The city of Auburn Hills has offered to support the project with expedited permitting and marketing assistance. Individuals interested in careers with Expert Technologies Inc and the wider Expert Technologies Group should visit www.ExpertTechnologiesGroup.com/careers.

– LER TechForce expanding in Pontiac to meet growing demand for automotive engineering services, creating 220 high-wage jobs

LER TechForce, LLC, a global leader in resident engineering and automotive engineering resources, will be expanding its engineering services and technician program in Michigan while also launching its new military division.  

The transportation industry is seeing unprecedented demand for engineering services as automotive-related customers shift their offerings to include both electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.  

To meet the demand for engineering services, LER TechForce plans to expand into leased space in the city of Pontiac, where it will house onsite engineering resources with clients as well as outsourced engineering projects.

This project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $8.4 million and create as many as 220 high-wage jobs, supported by a $1 million Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant. The state of Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Indiana.

LER TechForce’s initiative supports MEDC’s strategic focus on industries of mobility and engineering and will further strengthen Michigan’s engineering workforce. LER TechForce will provide targeted training to new employees in electric, autonomous, and diesel vehicles, as well as upskilling current employees. For information on careers with LER TechForce, visit www.lertechforce.com/careers.  

“Companies that expand their footprint in Oakland County are finding success here,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “They have access to a skilled workforce and a positive business environment. Financial incentives awarded to LER TechForce in Pontiac will help the engineering services company continue to grow and thrive. For our residents, it means 270 new jobs, and a commitment to train and employ veterans so they can transfer their military skills to a new career.”

“Today’s projects reinforce Michigan’s position as the leader in advanced mobility and electric vehicle R&D and send a clear message that our state is a place where companies can find the opportunity and talent to succeed and grow,” said?Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC and president and chair of the MSF Board. “We are excited to work with these three companies to ensure their success in this great state and stand proudly alongside our local partners in Southeast Michigan to build a championship economy in Michigan.”