Boys Soccer District Preview

Boys Soccer District Preview

by | Sep 30, 2025 | High School Sports, Regional News

Boys Soccer District Preview

Written Sunday September 28th at 12:45 PM

These are the MHSAA district matchups. Also History Now host Anthony Taormina will break down these districts and locations in future updates.

District 6 at Lapeer

  1. Flint Carman Ainsworth vs 1. CLARKSTON
  2. Flushing vs 4. Grand Blanc

 

  1. Lapeer vs 3. OXFORD
  2. Davison vs 2. LAKE ORION

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: This district (probably my favorite one because of the teams involved) looks like Clarkston will be the overwhelming favorite having only one loss but that one loss was to Oxford (2-1) who is on the other side of the bracket. Clarkston is on pace to win the OAA Red and will be a tough out for anyone who plays them especially with the experience they have back from last year’s team. Grand Blanc and Flushing tied each other but whoever wins that game will have no easy task in the second round. It looks like we are heading to an LO/Oxford second round matchup. LO won the first matchup 3-1 and if any indication of their past soccer battles have been, it will be another physical and emotional classic. Right now Clarkston is overwhelming favorite but look for either Grand Blanc or Flushing to give them a battle in the second round and either LO or Oxford to give them a battle in the district final.

 

District 7 at Hartland

  1. Milford vs 4. Walled Lake Central
  2. Milford/4. Walled Lake Central vs 1. Hartland

 

  1. WEST BLOOMFIELD vs 3. Walled Lake Northern
  2. NORTH FARMINGTON vs 2. Lakeland

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: In this district, Hartland stands out as the overwhelming favorite having only one loss also they play in the usually competitive KLAA West. West Bloomfield has been in the middle of the pack of the OAA White while North Farmington won the OAA Blue in their final year in the OAA. WB and WLN played each other in the first game of the regular season in which WLN won. North Farmington is going to have a tough task with Lakeland but at the same time the OAA has always been more competitive than the Lakes Valley so there is a potential upset. Hartland is the favorite in this district and for good reason.

 

District 8 at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

  1. FARMINGTON vs 4. South Lyon
  2. FARMINGTON/4. South Lyon vs 1. Livonia Stevenson

 

  1. Novi vs 3. Northville
  2. South Lyon East vs 2. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: This is a two team district with Livonia Stevenson and Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Farmington who finished last in the OAA White and is leaving for the Lakes Valley matches up fairly well against a decent South Lyon team. The winner however, will play Livonia Stevenson for in Farmington’s case a future Lakes Valley rivalry game. Despite Livonia Stevenson being the number one seed, Detroit Catholic Central is the favorite here. They have played a much tougher schedule and is a traditional power in playoff soccer, not to mention it is on their home field which always helps.

 

District 12 at Grosse Pointe South

  1. Detroit Renaissance vs 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
  2. Detroit Cass Tech vs 4. Dearborn Fordson

 

  1. Grosse Pointe South vs 3. Dearborn
  2. FERNDALE vs 2. Detroit Western

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: Ferndale is in the middle of the pack of the OAA Blue having competitive games with North Farmington, Avondale, and Pontiac while crushing the other three Blue schools. Ferndale should get by Detroit Western. I’m saying that because the OAA is a more competitive league in soccer than the PSL but Detroit Western did tie Troy Athens 4-4 and is one of the best teams in the PSL which could be very interesting. The second round matchup will be much tougher with having to play either the MAC’s Grosse Pointe South or the KLAA’s Dearborn. Both of whom are quality teams. U-D Jesuit is the favorite in this district with their path a little bit easier.

 

District 13 at Seaholm

  1. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs 1. TROY
  2. ROYAL OAK vs 4. BERKLEY

 

  1. GROVES vs 3. SEAHOLM
  2. Birmingham Brother Rice vs 2. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: This district maybe the most challenging district in the state, potentially having five quality teams having a chance to win the district. Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak are 1-2 respectively in the OAA White with both teams entertaining the state rankings. Seaholm has more than held their own in the OAA Red. Obviously playing the rival, Groves anything can happen. Troy and Berkley have both held their own in the OAA Red this season as well. Troy will get by Southfield A&T who had a big OAA Blue win recently over Harper Woods. Royal Oak and Berkley is a rivalry game that can go either way. Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills has a chance to be interesting should they both meet in the second round but don’t count out Groves on being a spoiler. Whomever Troy gets between Berkley and Royal Oak, it will be a great game. It’s hard to pick a winner in this district but when in doubt, go with the home team, in case Seaholm.

 

District 14 at Troy Athens

  1. Sterling Heights vs 4. Warren Mott
  2. Sterling Heights/4. Warren Mott vs 1. TROY ATHENS

 

  1. Fraser vs 3. Warren Cousino
  2. Roseville vs 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: The Red Hawks should be the overwhelming favorite here, they host the district. Only Sterling Heights Stevenson can really give them a game being competitive with Utica Eisenhower (only losing 3-2) and beating Dakota by forfeit. Athens does struggle at times but in this primarily Macomb County District. Athens should get by this district pretty convincingly.

 

District 15 at Rochester

  1. ADAMS vs 4. STONEY CREEK
  2. ADAMS/4. STONEY CREEK vs 1. Utica Eisenhower

 

  1. Utica vs 3. ROCHESTER
  2. Utica Henry Ford II vs 2. Romeo

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: Traditionally this district is one of the toughest districts in the state however, with the recent struggles of the Rochester schools. This looks like it will be a Ike/Romeo district final. Rochester is more than capable of competing with anyone. Rochester has had a lot of ties lately but they do have home field and should get by Utica heading into the second round with Romeo. Adams and Stoney Creek is also an interesting matchup. The state champs lost a lot from last year and has had a tough year in the OAA Red but it is still Adams, one of the best coached teams in the state of Michigan. Stoney has also been near the top of the OAA White competing against Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak. In their only matchup, Adams beat Stoney 2-0 but it’s challenging to beat a team twice. Whoever wins that game will get to play Utica Eisenhower, a team that seemingly reloads year after year. The district is at Rochester but going with Utica Eisenhower to win the district.

 

District 28 at Walled Lake Western

  1. WATERFORD MOTT vs 4. PONTIAC
  2. WATERFORD MOTT/4. PONTIAC vs 1. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

 

  1. AVONDALE vs 3. Orchard Lake St. Marys
  2. WATERFORD KETTERING vs 2. Walled Lake Western

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: Both OAA Blue teams have been in the middle of the pack in the division this year. Pontiac has had a great year beating several good teams, tying Avondale, and beating Ferndale. Pontiac will play Waterford Mott who will come into the OAA next year. This has the potential to become a great soccer rivalry alongside Ferndale and could preview many battles for years to come. The winner however, will play Cranbrook Kingswood in the second round who is the number one seed. Avondale has a tough first round match up just they had last year with Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. OLSM competes in the dangerous Catholic League and often has to go against DeLaSalle and CC. OLSM also won the district last year as a three seed. WL Western should get by Kettering who has surprisingly struggled this season before coming into the OAA next year as well but they do own a win over Avondale and tied Ferndale which helps. OLSM is the favorite in this district despite being the three seed and it being at WL Western.

 

District 30 at Dearborn Divine Child

  1. Warren Fitzgerald vs 4. Madison Heights Lamphere
  2. Warren Fitzgerald/4. Madison Heights Lamphere vs 1. Hamtramck

 

  1. Redford Thurston vs 3. Garden City
  2. OAK PARK vs 2. Dearborn Divine Child

 

TRAIN INSIGHT: Very tough matchup for Oak Park going against a very good Dearborn Divine Child team. Will be another great learning experience for the Knights. Divine Child will be the favorite in this district despite Hamtramck being the one seed. Divine Child is at home and has played a much tougher schedule.

Boys Soccer District Preview

Week Five Rankings Explanation

by | Sep 30, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Five Rankings Explanation.

Written Saturday September 27th at 9:28 AM

Rankings

1. Harper Woods: Pioneers going along with their business.

2. Clarkston: Wolves defense starting to shine again.

3. West Bloomfield: Will Espy is starting to make his name known across the State.

4. Stoney Creek: Cougars bounced back after tough loss to Harper Woods.

5. Farmington: Falcons have bounced back nicely since loss to Holly.

6. Ferndale: Eagles defense has started to come alive.

7. Adams: Highlanders will be fine, don’t panic.

8. North Farmington: Maybe Elijah Cobb is the answer at quarterback.

9. Seaholm: Maples have to stop turning the ball over for the veer to work.

10. Oak Park: Knights might be the most improved team this season.

 

Rankings Explanation

This week the rankings were a bit complicated from seven through ten.

The top six teams have had strong seasons with not a lot of changes but with Adams at seven makes sense despite their tough 21-7 loss to Clarkston. I kept North Farmington at eight even though they are playing much better football but thought of putting the Highlanders at eight but decided against that. Seaholm drops to nine after getting romped 42-19 on their home field by Farmington and allowing 21 points in the second half. I thought of dropping them from the rankings but the 33-7 win against Oak Park is keeping them in the top ten at the moment. I moved Oak Park to ten because of their bounce back win over Troy. I dropped Groves out because of the loss to West Bloomfield but also thought of keeping them in the rankings as well. I don’t think Oak Park and Groves play each other this season, would had been a very interesting game. I also thought of putting Oxford back into the rankings but the defensive concerns are there when talking about the Wildcats and it showed despite their 41-34 win over Lake Orion.

If Waterford Mott were in the league but they aren’t as of yet, they would have easily been in the top ten in the rankings.

Boys Soccer District Preview

Week Five Thoughts

by | Sep 30, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Five Thoughts.

Written Saturday September 27th at 9:05 AM

Here are my thoughts on each team after week five.

Waterford Kettering: It was the first game for interim coach Cullen Conway and it didn’t end up well which resulted in a 63-0 loss to Lakeland on Friday night. It has been a rough week for the Captains as Coach Brian Barnes was forced out at Waterford Kettering after becoming the new athletic director at Madison Heights Bishop Foley. The Captains will look to finish strong and hopefully fix the defense going forward.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs bounced back after allowing 87 points in the last two weeks against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Walled Lake Western and shut down a Jeff Glynn offense that was scoring in bunches shutting them out 44-0 on Friday night. Waterford Mott controls it’s destiny in the Lakes Valley Conference as they have South Lyon coming to Waterford for a big showdown looming for the league crown next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix took another very tough loss falling 38-0 on Friday night. Pontiac struggled with Bloomfield Hills athleticism throughout the game. It is going to take some time to build for the Phoenix and Coach Wendell Jefferson to get things right but they are getting there.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are really struggling to adjust to Coach Jim Carsile’s system bottom line falling 33-0 to Ferndale on Friday night. Avondale has struggled on both sides of the football and it’s really shown. It will be very interesting to see what the Yellow Jackets do going forward

Berkley: The Bears kept the Battle of Woodward trophy with a 38-10 win over Royal Oak on Friday night. Coach Casey Humes has figured something out with his program and they have started to put things together at the right time but they have a big one in Jackson in the future.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are the ultimate Scooby Doo team and it showed in their 38-10 loss to Berkley on Friday night. I can’t seem to figure what Royal Oak is doing, they look good one week then the next they don’t look that good, it’s the ultimate mystery when describing the Ravens right now.

Ferndale: The Eagles have put the Gold on notice with their 33-0 win over Avondale on Friday night. Ferndale has figured things out which is a good sign and have a tough schedule ahead for Coach Donovan Jackson. The Eagles are in a very good spot right now.

Troy: The Colts are in a rough spot after a 33-7 loss to Oak Park on Friday night. The defense which has been the story allowing 74 points in the last two games albeit was against Clarkston and Oak Park but that’s not a good thing if the defense is allowing points in bunches going forward. This is something Coach Chris Frasier and Troy needs to fix.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks defense has been a big problem which it showed in a 40-21 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. It’s clear that Troy Athens has made progress offensively but the defense is where the Red Hawks need to clean up. It is likely that Coach Tom Cook has to make some changes on the defensive side of the football this offseason.

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks had no issues on their homecoming with Pontiac winning 38-0 on Friday night earning their second win of the season. The rebuild will take some time for Coach Scott Merchant but it looks like they are making some progress going forward.

Farmington: The Falcons exploded for 21 points in the second half to stun Seaholm 42-19 on Friday night controlling the Blue at the moment. Farmington’s athleticism showed along with the play of Vincent Peschi who also had a big game. The Falcons caused the Maples to abandoned the running game which is Seaholm’s specialty. Farmington looks like a different team since falling 20-18 to Holly in week two.

North Farmington: The Raiders have seemed to turn things around in an impressive 40-21 win over Troy Athens. Elijah Cobb has been the answer at quarterback allowing Terrance James to be himself. The defense has played well despite allowing 21 points. North Farmington has turned things around since their loss to Farmington. They are in a good spot right now.

Seaholm: The Maples made some stunning turnovers and had to abandoned their vaunted veer attack in a stunning 42-19 loss to Farmington on Friday night. Seaholm had no answers defensively for the Falcons all night. The Maples don’t control their destiny right now.

Oak Park: The Knights showed their athleticism in a 33-7 win over Troy on Friday night. Oak Park’s skill players played well and really dominated against Troy. The Knights are quietly building something back up and gaining momentum.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors knew it was going to be a really tough game against Harper Woods and it showed in their 34-0 loss to Harper Woods on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech is struggling. The lower levels could bring some promise heading into the future but right now it’s rough for the Warriors.

Groves: The Falcons held their own against West Bloomfield on Friday night but fell 20-7 to the Lakers on Friday night. Groves had their moments where they ended up taking a 7-0 lead at one point but West Bloomfield’s defense really clamped down. The Falcons have been making progress and it’s showing.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are getting into postseason form with an impressive 34-0 win over Rochester on Friday night. Stoney Creek’s defense has played well despite their tough loss to Harper Woods. So far Coach Rick Powell has done very well at Stoney Creek and with their program strength it is showing.

Rochester: The Falcons have not been the same team since upsetting Lake Orion 23-21 two weeks ago. Rochester has been outscored 76-7 in the last two weeks which included a 34-0 loss to Stoney Creek on Friday night. The Falcons used a lot of energy in their upset of the Dragons but they have not been able to figure it out which is not a good sign heading into October.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers showed their dominance against Southfield Arts and Tech winning 34-0 on Friday night. Harper Woods has been very consistent all season which has showed. It should be very interesting to see what the Pioneers do heading into October.

Adams: The Highlanders had a really tough outing for the second time in three weeks against a motivated Clarkston squad. Clarkston shut down Ryland Watters while playing time possession football themselves in a 21-7 defeat for Adams. Watters had a touchdown pass to Matt Toeppner in the second quarter which was their only offensive score on the night. The Highlanders will be fine going forward.

Clarkston: The Wolves defense was the story in a 21-7 win over Adams on Friday night. Clarkston had solid offensive outings from Lukas Boman and quarterback Alex Wasczenzko was solid all night. The Wolves are rolling with confidence likely heading into the postseason.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers defense was the story again for West Bloomfield in their 20-7 win over Groves on Friday night. Will Espy had a strong fourth quarter which helped big time. The Lakers are a completely different team from last season where injuries really derailed them despite getting into the postseason. West Bloomfield controls it’s own destiny for now.

Oxford: The Wildcats system and belief in each other proved to be a difference in Oxford’s 41-34 win over Lake Orion on Friday night. The Wildcats offense was the story and getting key third down plays which led to touchdowns. They were balanced all night. Coach Trevor Potts has done a great job in keeping program balance which is starting to show itself.

Lake Orion: There is no words to describe this. The defense was poor all night against an Oxford team that ran and threw all over them. The offense had their best game of the season which is a positive but the Dragons couldn’t get over the hump falling 41-34 to the Wildcats on Friday night likely ending the postseason dreams. No one would had thought heading into the season that 0-9 was possible but it seems really real at the moment. It is clear the Dragons have a program problem when it comes to mental toughness program wide (includes youth levels.) There has to be changes this offseason everywhere from varsity to the youth levels that’s the bottom line.

Whitmer Signs Bill to Protect Michigan Property Owners

Whitmer Signs Bill to Protect Michigan Property Owners

by | Sep 30, 2025 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 30, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Signs Bill to Protect Michigan Property Owners, Streamlining Government Efficiency 

LANSING, Mich.  – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4524, a bipartisan bill that gives Michiganders more time to protect their property rights and clarifies rules regarding land and home ownership. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,513 bipartisan bills into law since taking office. 

“I’m proud to sign this commonsense, bipartisan bill that will protect Michigan homeowners,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bill will clarify the rules for property transfers, so when you go to sell your house or land, there are no surprises that can get in the way. It will lower costs, help keep property records up to date, and make government more efficient. Let’s keep making sure our government works for Michiganders throughout the state.”  

“Our top priority is making Michigan state government more efficient and effective for every family,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will keep money in Michiganders’ pockets by extending the deadline for land interest claims and help keep records up to date. Let’s keep Standing Tall so that every Michigander can achieve health, wealth, and prosperity right here.” 

House Bill 4524, sponsored by state Representative Douglas Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), better protects the interests of Michigan land and homeowners by making property transactions more straightforward. Specifically, the bill gives owners more time to claim a property interest, extending the deadline by two years. As such, property owners will have more time to record their land interests, including, but not limited to, rights related to minerals, driveways, and walking paths. This bill also clarifies the property interests of parties involved in real estate transactions. Under this bill, Michiganders will be protected from surprise claims based on old, forgotten, or vague documents and be encouraged to maintain the accuracy of their property records. 

“This legislation ensures Michigan’s land records are accurate, reliable, and easier to navigate,” said State Representative Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “Homeownership is one of the most important investments a family can make, and our laws should give people confidence in their property rights. By strengthening the Marketable Record Title Act, we’re helping to protect homeowners while making real estate transactions more straightforward.” 
More than $220 Million in Investments Across Michigan

More than $220 Million in Investments Across Michigan

by | Sep 30, 2025 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than $220 Million in Investments Across Michigan, 90 New Housing Units

Investments expected to create at least 800 jobs, retain 175

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced support for 90 housing units in Bay City (Bay County) and at least 800 jobs from investments made by companies with whom she visited on her recent investment trip to Japan and Germany.

 

“We are excited to announce 90 new affordable housing units and hundreds of millions in new investment that will create and support 800 jobs right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan’s economy is open for business and on the move. We’re revitalizing our communities, investing in our workforce, and building affordable housing. I’ll continue going everywhere and competing with anyone to tell Michigan’s story and show more individuals, families, and businesses how they can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep growing our economy, unleashing our innovators, and making our state the best place to live, work, and play.”

 

“From private investments by international companies to supporting developments in local housing and infrastructure, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) are committed to executing the state’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy attracting and developing People, cultivating and revitalizing Places, and competing for and winning Projects of all sizes,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and Chair of the MSF. “We continue to be grateful to have the legislatively appropriated funds to provide solutions for Michigan’s most-pressing barriers to growth and prosperity so that our 10 million+ friends, families, and future neighbors will have more reasons to realize their employment, entrepreneurial and housing dreams here in Michigan.”

 

New Housing Starts Coming to Bay City

Riverview Apartments Bay City, LLC, will create 90 residential housing units and two storefronts in Bay City (Bay County) with approved support for a Michigan Community Revitalization Program Other Assistance Loan of up to $4.3 million.

 

“We’re excited to expand downtown Bay City to the north and bring life back to land that has been vacant for so long,” said Rod Hildebrant, developer of Water Street Lofts. “The demand is clear—we already have strong interest from people eager to live in our vibrant downtown.”

 

In March 2024, Bay City achieved “essentials” status as part of the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Certified program, signaling the community had identified redevelopment goals and created a master plan for the future, which included a focus on a diversity of housing types, policies supporting at a variety of prices points for housing, and more vibrant neighborhoods.

 

“Bay City is committed to fostering growth that strengthens both our neighborhoods and our economy,” said City Manager Dana Muscott. “This project represents a significant investment in our downtown, bringing new housing opportunities, retail space, and long-term vitality to our community. By transforming underutilized property into a modern, mixed-use development, we are building on Bay City’s momentum as a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

 

As part of the project, several vacant and underutilized parcels will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-used redevelopment. Upon completion, the proposed redevelopment will invest about $22.2 million and add 87,446 square feet of new construction, designed as a three-story, mixed-use building. This project also activates the streetscape, supports new housing options, and promotes walkable urbanism in downtown Bay City’s north end.

 

“Our team is managing a growing waiting list of potential tenants, which reflects how much people want to be part of this neighborhood,” said Matthew Meehan, owner of The Times Properties. “The new building’s classic design complements the historic architecture of downtown Bay City while offering modern living in a timeless setting.”

 

JR Automation Brings Sustainable Global Headquarters to Zeeland

OVERVIEW: JR Automation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., received approval for a performance-based Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant of $1.6 million to create at least 150 jobs and invest at least $72.8 million over three years at a facility in Zeeland (Ottawa County).

 

Governor Whitmer visited Hitachi in Japan as part of a broad investment mission earlier this month, where the project was first announced.

 

“JR Automation’s decision to invest in Zeeland for its new global headquarters and create 150 new high-quality jobs signals our region’s strength in smart manufacturing,” said Amanda Murray, vice president of business solutions at Lakeshore Advantage. “The company’s commitment to sustainability is equally as impressive. From conservation easements to onsite renewable energy, this project reflects the values of our community and the future of advanced manufacturing.”

 

The company also received local approval for a property tax abatement valued at roughly $9.5 million, as well as a State Education Tax Abatement of nearly $2.3 million.

 

Established in Michigan in 1980, JR Automation is a leading global provider of intelligent automated manufacturing technology solutions in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, warehousing, energy storage, and more. This project intends to unify three existing Holland locations into a single site in Zeeland with room to grow.

 

The new site advances both JR Automation and Hitachi’s commitment to sustainability. Most notably, the Brower Drain was relocated and converted into a 100-foot-wide conservation easement with native Michigan plants and grass that will improve stormwater management, reduce erosion, and create a habitat for local wildlife. The site will have onsite solar power generation to reduce its carbon footprint and host high-efficiency, all-electric HVAC systems, with more potential plans to accelerate the company’s journey toward zero landfill waste.

 

“This project is a powerful reflection of JR Automation’s journey from a small Michigan-based company to a global automation leader,” said Doug LaCroix, Chief Procurement Officer and Executive Sponsor of the project. “We are appreciative of the efforts of Hitachi, Governor Whitmer, the MEDC, the MSF, Lakeshore Advantage, the city of Zeeland and so many more who have made it possible to celebrate this milestone.”

 

WHY IT MATTERS: As global technologies in automation and robotics evolve, the investment by JR Automation is providing a place for talent to have a stable and even growing career; showcasing the ingenuity of Michigan manufacturers on the intersection of efficiency and sustainability; and growing the number of global headquarters who call Michigan home, thus deepening the roots and reliability of legacy companies.

 

For more on a career with JR Automation, visit their website.

 

Astemo Americas Set to Locate New Regional Headquarters in Wixom

OVERVIEW: Astemo Americas, Inc., will invest $95 million to develop a new regional headquarters complex in Wixom (Oakland County). The facility will be home to both regional headquarters and Tech Center functions for all automotive business units. This project is expected to create 200 new jobs in Detroit area, including more than 150 engineering positions, over four years. It received up to $2 million in performance-based Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant funds.

 

“We are grateful to the Michigan Strategic Fund for supporting our vision that Astemo be a part of an internationally recognized supply chain of innovation in mobility,” said John Nunneley, Senior Vice President of Technology Management & IT, Regional Headquarter/Regional Technical Center Head. “Astemo Americas is eager to get to work on building out this facility and welcoming the talent that will be housed there.”

 

Governor Whitmer visited Astemo while in Japan earlier this month, where the project was first announced.

 

“Expanding advanced manufacturing and mobility infrastructure is a priority for Michigan and Oakland County that is paying dividends,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The state’s investment, coupled with the networking we recently did on a trade mission in Japan, helped cement the deal that is bringing Astemo Americas, Inc, along with 375 jobs and a $95 million investment to Wixom. This partnership in action is delivering for Oakland County and the state.”

 

WHY IT MATTERS: This investment enhances Michigan’s leadership in mobility and the industrial supply chain and builds up the R&D ecosystem that calls Michigan home. The 26-acre campus along I-96 in Wixom will have a testing facility, including test tracks and 185,000 square-feet of office and lab space for engineering, software development, marketing, customer-service and administration personnel.

 

For more information on careers with Astemo, visit their website.

 

American Rheinmetall Support Approved, Strengthens Michigan’s Footprint in Defense

OVERVIEW: The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved a $7.52 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant to create at least 450 new jobs and invest at least $31.7 million across Auburn Hills (Oakland County), Plymouth (Wayne County), Lapeer (Lapeer County), and Lansing (Ingham County).

 

The project was announced by Governor Whitmer earlier this month while she was on an investment mission that included Germany.

 

“This investment marks a major milestone in American Rheinmetall’s long-term commitment to Michigan and the future of U.S. defense innovation,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “We’re proud to expand our footprint across the state—tapping into its world-class workforce, deep industrial roots, and unwavering support for our Armed Forces. Together, we’re building advanced defense capabilities that not only protect those who serve but also strengthen our communities and the American industrial base.”

 

In 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles and General Dynamics Land Systems were chosen as finalists in the XM30 Combat Vehicle program to replace the 1980s-era Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, with a decision to select one of the vehicles for production in early Fiscal Year 2028.

 

WHY IT MATTERS: Michigan is growing and strengthening its footprint in the defense industry. In 2024, some $3.2 billion in defense contracts were awarded to companies in the Michigan Defense Corridor. The industry is responsible for roughly $30 billion in economic activity and more than 166,000 jobs. In addition, 17 commands, military organizations and installations deliver critical capabilities to support U.S. military readiness and innovation for long-term advantage.

 

For more information on a career with American Rheinmetall, visit their website.

 

MSF Board Supports Disbursement of Funds for Infrastructure in 12 Communities  The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board also supported Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Water Related Infrastructure (WRI) funding of $21.5 million for 12 communities to update and improve their infrastructure, as well as up to $480,000 in CDBG funds to provide administrative services to assist communities with compliance and administrative requirements of the awards.

 

In March, the MSF approved a request for applications to receive up to $22 million in Community Development Grant funds for the 2025 Water Related Infrastructure funding round. The funding round was competitive and focused on improvements and upgrades in low-moderate income communities for existing infrastructure systems.

 

Eligible activities associated with these funds could include: water lines and related facilities; sanitary and storm sewer lines and related facilities; and wastewater treatment plants and related activities, including road replacement necessary for the completion of the projects. Thirty-eight (38) infrastructure applications were submitted with communities requesting nearly $66.2 million in grant funding. The awards include the following communities:

  • Albion
  • Allegan
  • Benton Township
  • Big Rapids
  • Evart
  • Grayling
  • Hartford
  • Houghton
  • Ironwood
  • Olivet
  • Village of Baraga
  • Village of Hillman