Magna’s investment in St. Clair creating more than 300 jobs

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2020

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, 517-489-0557 OR [email protected]

Whitmer: Magna’s investment in St. Clair creating more than 300 jobs, strengthening Michigan as leader in EV manufacturing

Magna adding 304 jobs, investing $70.1 million in St. Clair with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund

New state-of-the art facility will build battery enclosures for GM’s new GMC Hummer EV

Project solidifies company’s presence in state, underscores Michigan’s leadership in advanced auto manufacturing and future mobility

Magna’s new facility in St. Clair will produce battery enclosures for 2022 GMC Hummer EV

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced Magna International is constructing a new manufacturing facility in St. Clair to build complex battery enclosures, a project that will generate $70.1 million in private investment and create 304 jobs for Michigan workers.

“This investment by Magna will create great jobs for our state’s talented workforce as we continue to implement our Michigan Back to Work plan to get Michiganders back on their feet,” said Governor Whitmer. “This announcement reaffirms Michigan is transforming along with the automotive industry to ensure the next generation of mobility and electrification is designed, developed, tested, and built right here in our state.”

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan, Inc. is a newly created entity of Magna International, Inc, a global automotive supplier whose roots in the auto industry go back to 1957. Today, Magna makes everything from seats to powertrains and is the only auto supplier to build complete vehicles. Magna currently has more than 10,000 employees located here in Michigan.

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures was formed for the purpose of implementing and operating a new facility that will produce complex structural battery enclosures for electric propulsion vehicles. The company has been awarded a new program for the all-new 2022 GMC Hummer EV, set to begin initial production at GM’s Factory Zero facility in Detroit-Hamtramck this fall. The program will support Magna’s electrification strategy, which is a key priority for the company to increase its leadership position in the battery frame market.

The company plans to construct a 345,000-square-foot facility with the ability to support an expansion of up to 1,000,000 square feet in the city of St. Clair, a project that will generate a total private investment of $70.1 million and create more than 300 jobs over the next five years. As a result of the investment and job creation, Magna has been awarded a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant that will be awarded over time as jobs are created. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in the Midwest.

“Bringing this new battery enclosure technology to market is another exciting example of Magna’s ability to deliver full-system solutions to automakers especially as they work toward a lower emissions future,” said John Farrell, President of Cosma International, Magna’s body and chassis group. “The move toward electrification allows us to rethink what is possible and demonstrate how we can leverage our core strengths to continue to bring customers innovative solutions that help them meet their goals, no matter how challenging.”

The project contributes to the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and become the epicenter of autonomous and electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. Magna has developed training and mentorship programs that provide for advancement within the organization and also offers an executive leadership program, which works directly with local school districts and colleges to help build out an employment pipeline. Jobs created through this investment will include managers, engineers, administrative assistants, operators, and more.

For information on careers with Magna, visit https://www.magna.com/company/careers.

Magna has had a longstanding commitment to Michigan, with expansions in Highland Park and Newaygo in the past two years that generated a total investment of more than $80 million.

“This investment and Magna’s continued growth in Michigan demonstrates the strength of our mobility and EV ecosystem, as well as our state’s continued automotive manufacturing prowess,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton. “This expansion means good jobs and ongoing economic opportunity for our residents and is a strong signal that long-term economic recovery efforts are continuing to take root across the state.”

“We’re excited to see more Industry 4.0 jobs coming to St. Clair County,” said St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance CEO Dan Casey. “We look forward to working with Magna Electric Vehicle Structures to develop new training resources to support the company’s growth.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

EGLE offers clean fuel grants

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Debbie Swartz, Environmental Quality Specialist, [email protected], 517-582-1578

EGLE offers clean fuel grants to upgrade trucks, commercial buses, off-road work vehicles

Freight switchers, port and airport equipment, marine vessels, shore power will qualify for future funding

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced today a three-part funding opportunity that totals $30 million for the replacement of commercial, mass transit and transportation support vehicles that move products with new models, including electric, alternative fuel and diesel vehicles.

The request for proposals covers medium and heavy-duty local freight trucks, transit and shuttle buses, freight switchers, tug and ferry boats, port cargo handling equipment, forklifts and airport ground support equipment. Funds will also be available in the future to install shore power for vessels that operate within the Great Lakes.

“The transition to electric vehicles is gaining momentum,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. “It’s important that all types of vehicles make the move to alternative fuels or clean diesel. This will mean healthier work environments for employees and communities across the state.”

The funding will be awarded through EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program (FTP), which is funded by Volkswagen diesel settlement money allocated to Michigan. The FTP’s goals are to reduce oxides of nitrogen emissions and maximize air quality benefits statewide, reduce diesel emissions from school buses and increase adoption of zero emission and alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.

The application period for the first round of funding opens today for medium and heavy-duty trucks, and shuttle and transit buses (Classes 4-8). A total of $16 million is available for alternative fuel or diesel vehicles with at least $8 million of the total earmarked to fund replacement of older vehicles with electric models. Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million. School buses are not eligible for funding. The request for proposals information is posted on the Fuel Transformation Program website.

The other two categories of vehicles that will qualify for future grants are:

Freight switchers, Great Lakes tugs and ferry boats, and shore power. $9 million available. Vehicles can be replaced or repowered with new electric, alternative fuel or diesel vehicles. Additionally, power for shore-side systems can be installed for vessels that operate within the Great Lakes. Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million.
Airport ground support equipment, port cargo handling equipment, and forklifts. $5 million available. Replacements must be electric vehicles or equipment. Grants range from $50,000 to $3 million.

A webinar has been scheduled for 1 p.m. March 9 to explain all three funding opportunities and answer questions potential applicants may have.

The Michigan Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan has details about the various vehicle replacement options. For more information about the RFPs, contact Debbie Swartz at [email protected].

Michigan’s Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation settlement funds must be distributed by October 2027, a decade after the money was allocated to the states.

Efforts to Speed up COVID Vaccine Distribution

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

Friend –

Getting COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of Michiganders and Americans is an essential part of getting through this public health and economic crisis.

I’m pushing to pass critical, additional resources to aid those efforts and working closely with President Joe Biden to ensure every Michigander can be vaccinated. I was proud to join President Biden on Friday at the Pfizer facility in Portage, where Michiganders have developed, manufactured and distributed a safe, effective vaccine quickly.

While we celebrate their remarkable work, I know that many people are also frustrated and angry at the difficulties they have experienced trying to secure vaccines for themselves or their loved ones.

I am encouraged that the Biden Administration is taking significant action to increase the availability of vaccines. The previous Administration failed to develop a comprehensive, effective plan to distribute vaccines, increase vaccine supply or leverage the federal government to ensure states could quickly get vaccines into people’s arms. Recently the Biden Administration announced they had secured an additional 200 million vaccine doses – enough to inoculate every American adult by the end of the summer. I’m also encouraged they are marshaling federal resources to stand up community vaccination sites, and it is vital that vaccines are distributed equitably as well – so that no community is left behind.

In the Senate, I am working with my colleagues to pass the President’s American Rescue Plan, which would provide robust relief to address this pandemic. It includes significant emergency support for struggling families and small businesses, to safely reopen school and to speed up vaccine distribution. The package has critical funding to educate the public as part of a national vaccination plan. It also would give FEMA needed resources that are vital to helping our state and local governments deploy COVID-19 vaccines.

This package has bipartisan support in Michigan and across the country, and is supported by mayors, governors and economic experts from across the political spectrum. I am hopeful we can pass and enact this urgently needed legislation soon.

As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will continue working to make sure the federal government is doing everything in its power to ensure that vaccines are free and widely available to every community as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Oakland County Warns Of COVID-19 Related Phone Scam

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Warns Of COVID-19 Related Phone Scam

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is warning the community of a potential scam related to COVID-19 vaccine appointments. According to reports, the caller is asking questions in order to schedule a vaccine appointment, and then is asking for personal and financial information.

“Oakland County will never ask for any financial information including credit card or social security numbers,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “If you are unsure if it is a scam, avoid sharing any personal information over the phone, and report it to the authorities.”

Concerned residents can report scam calls by calling the non-emergency phone number at the local police or Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

Avoid becoming a victim of phone scams or identify theft by:

Making a list of contact information for family members, close friends, health providers or anyone who might call regularly. This will help you know if the call is legitimate.
Letting a call go to voicemail if you don’t recognize a phone number. Scammers rarely leave messages.
Hanging up if a stranger asks for personal or financial information. If you do answer the phone, it’s OK to hang up.
Remembering that government agencies will always identify themselves.
Not sharing any personal information such as your social security number to anyone over the telephone.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Flags lowered to Honor 500,000 American Lives Lost to COVID-19

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor 500,000 American Lives Lost to COVID-19

As of this order, the coronavirus has infected 581,403 and killed 15,362 people in Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately through Friday, February 26 to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.

“As we lower the flags to honor and remember the 500,000 American lives, my heart is with the families of loved ones who passed away from this vicious virus,” Whitmer said. “Our nation grieves as we continue the fight to eradicate COVID-19. The quickest way out of the pandemic is through equitable distribution of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. That’s why we are encouraging every Michigander to make a plan to get vaccinated when a vaccine becomes available. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this pandemic together.”

The State of Michigan recognizes and mourns the lives lost to the coronavirus by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday, February 27, 2020.

Lt. Governor Gilchrist Toured Vaccination Operation at U of M

by Becky Andrus | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              
February 22, 2021
Media Contact: [email protected]   
                             

PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II Toured Vaccination Operation at University of Michigan

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist returned to his alma mater to see how the vaccination rollout was progressing and thank the hardworking Michiganders distributing the COVID-19 vaccine

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Today, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, along with Dr. Mark Schlissel, president of the University of Michigan, toured the University of Michigan vaccination operation, which is being operated out of the ‘Big House,’ University of Michigan’s football stadium.

“Governor Whitmer and I have made it a priority to tour and further understand how these vaccination sites are operating and to ensure that we’re equitably distributing the vaccine. I was proud to visit my alma mater and see this lifesaving work in real-time,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “It’s clear that our public health professionals, doctors, nurses, the Michigan National Guard, and volunteers are doing everything they can to get shots in arms, but they need more resources. It’s time for the legislature to come to the table and work with Governor Whitmer to pass the MI COVID Recovery Plan. This plan will allocate $90 million in federal funding to help us ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan, bring us closer to our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day and help us end the COVID-19 pandemic once and for all.”

As of last week, Michigan has administered 1,787,509 vaccines, moving the state closer to Governor Whitmer’s goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 50,000 shots per day through Governor Whitmer’s MI COVID Recovery Plan, partnering with private organizations and nontraditional venues like the Big House to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.

LG_BigHouse1