Skip to main content

Automotive and mobility

Michigan keeps the world moving. Macomb County is in the center of the industry. Our automotive heritage and talented workforce are shaping the future. Macomb County is No. 1 in engineering concentration workforce in the United States and home to three of the world's top automotive manufacturers.

 

More than 100 years after the assembly line was first introduced, Macomb County remains at the forefront of the automotive industry in the United States.

The transformational growth of this industry continues through both traditional manufacturing and also the development of advanced technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicles, smart infrastructure technologies, and robotics. Some of the top companies include General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Stellantis, Magna International, and ZF North America.

At the epicenter to Macomb’s automotive growth is Innovate Mound, a $218 million reconstruction project for 13 miles of the Mound Road corridor in Sterling Heights and Warren. The project  strengthens the region and enhance connectivity by incorporating state-of-the-art design and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to create a 21st century multimodal corridor.

Mobility and Automotive

Why Macomb County?

  • $10.3 billion gross domestic product in 2023
  • More than $6.9 billion invested In Macomb County in the last 10 years
  • A diverse network of 450 automotive and mobility companies
  • Michigan is the No. 1 state of automotive R&D and production
  • Among “big counties,” (defined by the Census Bureau as counties with a population density of at least 926 people per square mile), Macomb County’s employment concentration (2.28) ranks first out of 140. Additionally, Macomb County ranks first of 140 in engineering talent (3.71).
  • The region has one of the most-skilled manufacturing and engineering workforces in the United States (Source: Detroit Regional Partnership)

Workforce snapshot

6.2% Projected job growth from 2018-2028
53,688 Jobs in 2018
57,051 Jobs in 2023
57,017 Projected jobs in 2028
676 Establishments
5.60 Employment Concentration

Important industry data -- Top in county business-to-business purchases

  • Motor Vehicle Metal Stamping, $987 billion in-region purchases (19%)
  • Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing, $1.14 billion in-region purchases (36%)
  • Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing, $695 billion (24%)
  • Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing, $496 million (70%)

Sales data for new car sales

$826 million sales volume of Macomb County dealerships
36% of total sales to in-region customers

 

Programs available for businesses

  • Industrial Facility Tax Exemption (PA 198) -- provides a tax incentive to manufacturers to enable renovation and expansion of aging facilities, assist in the building of new facilities, and to promote the establishment of high-tech facilities
  • Michigan Manufacturing Technical Center I4.0 tech assessment -- helps identify technologies that can provide maximum improvements and return on investment
  • Michigan Business Development Program (BDP) -- provides grants, loans and other economic assistance to businesses for highly competitive projects in Michigan that create jobs and/or provide investment and results in a net-positive return to Michigan
  • Financing through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation -- small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan utilize the MEDC’s multiple capital access programs to maintain and grow their companies when private sector lenders need assistance in providing a loan
  • Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! programs -- On-The-Job-Training program offers an incentive to employers for hiring eligible job seekers and providing them new skills training. OJT provides reimbursement to the employer; up to 50% of the new employee’s wages for a designated period. This reimbursement assists in covering some of the extraordinary costs of providing the training
  • Macomb Community College programs -- the Michigan New Jobs Training Program is an economic development tool that allows community colleges to provide free training for employers that are creating new jobs and/or expanding operations in Michigan. The training for the newly hired workers is paid by capturing the state income tax associated with the new employees' wages.
  • Macomb Next Industry 4.0 project -- A Macomb County initiative that helps area companies gain a better understanding of how new technology can lead to greater efficiency and sustainability.

Industry partners

  • Automation Alley - Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and Digital Transformation Insight Center focused on driving the growth and success of businesses in Michigan and beyond through innovation and automation. Its programs and services help businesses develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively jumpstart or accelerate digital transformation.
  • Center for Automotive Research (CAR) - CAR is involved in the research of significant issues that relate to the future direction of the global mobility industry. CAR’s mission is to produce independent research, convene stakeholders, and analyze critical issues facing the mobility industry and its impact on the economy and society.
  • LIFT -  LIFT connects industry, academia and government to drive American advanced manufacturing into the future.
  • Macomb Community College - The mission of MCC is to transform lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. The College's goal is to be a leader in higher education, improving society through innovative learning experiences that create pathways for personal advancement and drive economic vitality.
  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation - The MEDC, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has tools and resources to support businesses at any stage of growth.
  • Michigan Manufacturing Technical Center - The MMTC provides Michigan’s small- and medium sized manufacturers with

    operational assessment, process improvement training, mentoring services, website technical assistance and market diversification tactics. It is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership providing access to industry-driven best processes and practices.
  • Small Business Development Center - The SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing counseling,

    training, and secondary market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. With offices statewide, the SBDC impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success.
  • Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! - The Michigan Works! Association provides services and support to Michigan’s workforce development system. Through the Association, members can access timely, relevant professional development

    opportunities and ensure high-quality programs for all customers. The Association believes the key to advancing prosperity across the state is a skilled workforce.

Top companies

  • AGS Automotive Systems
  • Axalta Coating Systems
  • Ford Motor Company
  • General Motors
  • Dana Incorporated
  • Stellantis 
  • L&L Products
  • ZF North America
  • Magna Seating
  • Yanfeng Automotive Interiors

Michigan is No. 1 for automotive industry, EV investment, top 10 for tech talent pipeline

Business Facilities’ 19th Annual Rankings Report also placed Michigan in the top 10 for other categories such as FDI Investment, Customized Workforce Training and Life Sciences, building on the state’s national leadership in key industries and talent development.

Michigan is the top state in the country for Automotive Manufacturing and Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry Investment, according to Business Facilities’ 19th Annual Rankings Report. Citing 2022 as “a pivotal point for the growth of EV adoption,” the publication’s new EV Industry Investment ranking evaluated existing and expected capital investment and job creation, positioning Michigan in the top spot nationally.

Workforce development has also been a top priority for the state with momentum growing as evidenced by Top 10 rankings in Tech Talent Pipeline and Customized Workforce Training categories in this round of rankings by Business Facilities.

Todd Seibert

Contact us

To learn more about our free and confidential services.

Economic Developer Senior Todd Seibert

todd.seibert@macombgov.org

Call: 586-469-5285

linkedin.com/in/todd-seibert-b2576511a/