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).
“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:
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