STATE

• DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC announces $20 million expansion, 22 new jobs in Midland 
• Legacy Port Huron Paper Company, LLC to invest $24.5 million, create 82 new jobs in Port Huron 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced business expansion projects in Midland and St. Clair counties. In total, $44.5 million in capital investment will be generated along with the creation of 104 good-paying jobs as a result of these announcements. 

“In every corner of our state, people and businesses are choosing Michigan to grow and thrive as small business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents,” said Governor Whitmer. “The results speak for themselves. Our population is growing, and we’ve been ranked as a top state for opportunity and doing business. Today’s $44 million investment and creation of 104 good-paying jobs by DDP Specialty Electronic Materials and Legacy Port Huron Paper Company is another win that will position Michigan as a leader in advanced manufacturing for EV materials and food grade packaging. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs across our state.” 

“The expansion announcements from these two Michigan-headquartered companies highlight the strength of Michigan’s business climate and the confidence employers have in Michigan as the ideal place to grow,” said Matt McCauley, SVP of Regional Development, MEDC. “Our skilled workforce, collaborative partnerships and commitment to growth continue to give companies the confidence to reinvest, expand, and succeed here, creating new opportunities for communities across the state.” 

DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC, a subsidiary of DuPont, has announced their plans to add 6,000 square feet to their existing facility in Midland, Midland County, for a new production process that will provide materials use in the global EV industry. The expansion will add additional truck docks, warehouse space and a five-story manufacturing space. This addition is necessary to limit the impact on current operations by including special technology associated with thermal adhesives to produce batteries within an EV. 

“We are sincerely grateful to the State of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their support to DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC for our expansion project in Midland. This support is invaluable in helping us enhance our operations and contribute to the advancement of Michigan’s automotive industry,” noted Ron Thompson, DuPont Michigan Operations Site Leader. “We are committed to utilizing these funds effectively to implement innovative solutions that will not only benefit our company but also positively impact the local economy and workforce. We look forward to our technology making significant strides in the growth of Michigan’s automotive landscape.” 

The company’s parent, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., founded in 1802, began as a gunpowder manufacturer near Wilmington, Delaware. The company’s parent is headquartered in Delaware and employs around 12,000 people globally. DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC, a subsidiary headquartered in Midland, has five locations, Midland (two locations), Hemlock, Auburn Hills and Hillsdale employing roughly 450 Michigan residents. The company is a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced specialty materials for industrial sectors. 

“DuPont/DDP Specialty Electronic Materials US, LLC’s investment reflects a clear understanding of what makes our Midland community distinctive—deep technical expertise, a highly capable workforce, and an ecosystem built to support complex, innovation-driven operations,” said Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development, Midland Business Alliance. “Projects of this scale move forward in places that are prepared, and our role is to ensure companies can navigate that path with clarity and confidence. We’re proud to support DuPont through the incentive process and to help advance an investment that strengthens Midland’s global relevance while delivering long-term value for our community.”  

This expansion is anticipated to generate $20 million in capital investment and create at least 22 new jobs with starting wages of $30 per hour plus benefits which is more than $9 above the regional median wage. Support for this investment comes from the Michigan Strategic Fund in a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant in the amount of $200,000. 

The company considered shifting the project to their existing locations in China or Germany for production of the thermal interface materials used to dissipate and improve the transfer of heat. This is a growing market based on increasing automotive production with a focus on lightweight and heat-resistant material. In China, labor costs can be 60-80% lower than in the U.S., making a significant difference in overall production expense. For this reason, the other locations are considered viable options for the project. The company ultimately chose Michigan to remain and expand due to the state’s vast EV ecosystem encompassing all facets from mobility and energy to infrastructure and battery development. 

In addition to MSF support, the city of Midland anticipates approval of a real property tax abatement in support of the project. The MEDC also approved a State Education Tax abatement to be used in conjunction with the one locally approved. 

Legacy Port Huron Paper Company, a subsidiary of BMI Group, has announced their plans to repurpose nearly 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Port Huron in St. Clair County. The investment will take place across nine buildings where they will revitalize existing space into warehousing, papermill manufacturing facilities and other industrial uses. 

“By combining experienced papermakers and skilled trades professionals from the former Domtar and Dunn mills, two historic specialty Port Huron paper mills, we are putting proven Michigan papermaking talent back to work while positioning Legacy Port Huron Paper for long-term growth into the future,” said 

The Company’s parent, BMI Group, is a transformative real estate and infrastructure development company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Ontario. The BMI Group specializes in revitalizing underutilized industrial sites, focusing on former pulp and paper mills, and returning social and economic opportunities to industrial and commercial infrastructure. 

“Very pleased and excited to see this project come to fruition - making products in Michigan and placing idle manufacturing back into productive use,” said State Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway). 

The company is expanding to meet the rising market demand for domestically produced sustainable specialty and food grade packaging largely due to the increased packaged food consumption, and rapid growth in the fast food market, which has been fortified with the expansion of delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, while displacing single-use plastic. 

“The production of quality paper is woven into Port Huron’s history,” said James R. Freed, City Manager, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Port Huron. “By putting our skilled tradespeople and craftspeople back to work, we are creating good-paying careers at home and proving to the world that Michigan still knows how to compete. " 

The project is anticipated to generate $24.5 million in capital investment and anticipates the creation of at least 82 new jobs with starting wages of $27 per hour plus benefits, which is more than $5 above the regional median wage of $21.58. The Michigan Strategic Fund has offered support in the form of an MBDP performance-based grant in the amount of $1 million. 

“The Economic Development Alliance is proud to welcome Legacy Port Huron Paper to our community. This project represents a remarkable collaboration among the EDA, MEDC, the City of Port Huron, and Macomb-St. Clair MichiganWorks,” added Bruce Seymore II, Vice President, Business Services of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. “By reopening a historic paper mill, Legacy Port Huron Paper is breathing new life into an industry that has been part of our region for over a century. The creation of high-quality jobs will provide outstanding career opportunities for local residents while strengthening the city’s tax base. This investment is a true win for our community and the state of Michigan.” 

The MBDP funds will also help offset the extensive costs associated with the machinery upgrades and facility renovations, positioning the company to become a strong employer in the Port Huron area. The project is located in a designated HUB Zone, thereby placing it in a geographically disadvantaged area. MSF support reinforces the state’s commitment to this sector, fostering goodwill and strengthening the paper manufacturing industry in Port Huron. 

"Legacy Paper has been an integral part of the Port Huron and St. Clair County community for decades. As a witness to their proven role in the Blue Water Area, I am pleased to see that they are receiving the recognition they deserve. This grant from the Michigan Business Development Program will bolster local companies, bring jobs back to Port Huron, facilitate key economic growth, and ensure that the people in our community can continue to call this area home. As Legacy Paper works to reach new heights and deepen its engagement with the local area, the company has our full support and best wishes for continued success," added State Rep. Joseph Pavlov (R-Kimball).  

-courtesy story 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved support for Volkswagen Group of America to invest $13 million in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills (Oakland County) to meet existing and expected workforce demands, as well as retain more than 900 jobs. 

“Volkswagen’s decision to remain in Oakland County protects over 900 good-paying jobs for Michiganders and their families who will continue to call our state home,” said Governor Whitmer. 

“Michigan put the world on wheels, and since I took office, we’ve worked hard to grow our economy and secure more than 36,000 auto jobs. I’m grateful that Volkswagen continues to see the benefit of Michigan’s strong auto supply chains and talented workers, and I look forward to their continued success here in our state.” 

“Relationships, legacy, and the opportunity for innovation matter. I remain grateful to the MSF Board for their support of Michigan’s prosperity today and for generations to come, as evidenced by their approval of Volkswagen and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) programs and services related to small businesses and furthering Michigan’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and MSF Board Chair. “Alongside Governor Whitmer and our partners in the state legislature, we remain as committed as ever to weathering storms and guiding fellow Michiganders of all backgrounds, career experiences, and aspirations to programs and ecosystem partners that will help them ‘Make it’ bigger and more boldly in Michigan.” 

Volkswagen Group of America Set to Invest in Oakland County 

OVERVIEW: The MSF Board approved a $4 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant for Volkswagen to retain more than 900 jobs and invest at least $13 million in Oakland County. 

As part of this investment, the company will consolidate all technical activities – including quality, engineering, warranty parts return center, and technical service center to serve as a technical campus shared across all functions and brands that are part of Volkswagen Group of America. Volkswagen will also maintain a presence in Auburn Hills at a newer facility, optimizing space and technological needs for the company. 

The company’s agreement to retain jobs will be for seven years, and the investment must be made within the first five years of the term. 

WHY IT MATTERS: Volkswagen Group of America has maintained a strong presence in Auburn Hills for decades. As part of efforts to optimize costs, streamline resources, and modernize facilities, the company evaluated options across its U.S. footprint. Ultimately, Michigan stood out thanks to its access to top talent and the ability to retain that talent. 

“Michigan has long been an important home for Volkswagen Group of America. We’re thrilled to be able to continue our presence in the state, reinforcing our commitment to our people and advancing our technical capabilities in the state,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “We appreciate the collaboration with Gov. Whitmer and the MEDC and look forward to continuing our work together to support Michigan’s leadership in mobility and engineering.” 

By making this decision, Michigan secures R&D, testing, and finance jobs that pay well above the regional median wage and ensure the continued presence of a global OEM in Michigan.  

In addition to MSF support, the Detroit Regional Partnership has offered in-kind services from its marketing team and talent solutions team to support Volkswagen, and Oakland County will provide talent services to assist Volkswagen with connecting to, and retaining, top talent. 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “Volkswagen’s decision to stay and expand its facilities in Auburn Hills is a major win for the region,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Their commitment to the community strengthens our local economy and reinforces that Auburn Hills is a premier location for automotive innovation and growth.” 

“We are thrilled that Volkswagen has chosen to maintain such a strong presence in Auburn Hills. Their investment is a strong vote of confidence in our region’s workforce and the leadership position we hold in Michigan in the automotive and mobility industries,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Eugene Hawkins. “We look forward to seeing their success benefit the Auburn Hills community, the greater Detroit area, and the State of Michigan for years to come.”  

MSF Board Approves Continued Support for Small Businesses, Innovation 

OVERVIEW: The MSF Board also approved $2.7 million to fund the continuity of the Michigan Central Innovation District and its enhancement by integrating TechTown Detroit as the small business partner in the City of Detroit (Wayne County). Funding will be divided between Michigan Central Innovation District, LLC ($2.125 million) and Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit, doing business as TechTown Detroit ($575,000).  

In February 2022, the MSF Board approved a $7.5 million grant to Michigan Central Innovation District LLC to launch programmatic support to lay the foundation for what has become a national model for innovation, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships.  

“Today’s action by the MSF Board to continue supporting Michigan’s small business and entrepreneurship ecosystems is a significant sign of the success of our initial investment and the opportunities it has afforded countless businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators eager to call Michigan home,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business and Talent at the MEDC. “By strengthening the partnership across three proven entities in Michigan Central, Wayne State University, and TechTown Detroit, we are supporting local, organic talent and ideas in ways that will have a lasting impact. Before something becomes a household name, it starts with the dreams, visions, and support to see it come alive that come with this kind of investment.”  

WHY IT MATTERS: The investment will generate high-quality jobs and catalyze a unique neighborhood-to-regional innovation pipeline ensuring small-to-medium businesses receive expert technical assistance, including manufacturing and automation support services, ensuring lasting viability for those businesses and the region. 

Of the prior MSF allocation, more than half of the $7.5 million investment flowed directly to startups and supported innovation infrastructure like the development of the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region. At the end of 2025, these combined programs contributed to Michigan Central’s activity and growth, including:  

• Access to $1 Billion of funding across 30+ venture capital firms 
• $650 million in economic output in the form of new internships, jobs, and produces and services in market 
• Support for 2,000+ entrepreneurs with public-private network resources  
• Technical assistance and incubation services to 240 companies, including: 
• 20 manufacturing-focused companies developing AI-powered quality control systems, collaborative robotics, manufacturing platforms, and autonomous mobility solutions; 
• 35 clean tech-focused companies developing home electrification, energy systems, urban EV charging, and battery safety technologies; and 
• 15 aerial mobility companies developing testing infrastructure, regulatory partnerships and supporting workforce development.  

TechTown also had a solid 2025, including: 

• Serving an estimated 1,200 entrepreneurs, 77% of whom are minority-owned 
• Hosting roughly 4,400 events 
• Welcoming 932 members from 49 different industries 
• Generating $30 million in startup and growth capital 

Still, gaps remain, limiting the pace of commercialization and scaling for early capital access, first-customer procurement pathways, structured commercialization support, and startup back-office services (such as legal, accounting, and HR services). As such, Michigan Central, Wayne State, and TechTown Detroit established a partnership in 2024, and today’s approval by the MSF helps the three entities to better collaborate and produce stronger outcomes faster. 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “This funding is a major win for our small businesses' competitive edge. TechTown, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Central will work together to remove the barriers that keep neighborhood small businesses from growing,” said Ned Staebler, CEO of TechTown and Vice President of Economic Development at Wayne State University. “The MSF’s commitment enables us to deploy the critical back-office services, expert coaching and resources, and technical support required to equip Detroit's small businesses with the tools to stay, scale, and lead Michigan’s economy.”  

“Michigan startups shouldn’t stall because they can’t access early capital, first customers, or the support needed to scale. MSF’s investment closes those gaps so more small businesses can commercialize faster and grow in Michigan,” said Mark de la Vergne, Director of Network Growth for Michigan Central. “The outcome will be more high-wage jobs statewide.” 

-courtesy story 

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after U.S. Census data showed that Michigan’s population grew for the fourth consecutive year and domestic migration was positive for the first time in decades. The state added 27,992 residents in 2025. “Michigan is the place to be. 

“In 2025, Michigan’s population grew for the fourth year in a row as we welcomed nearly 28,000 new Michiganders. Also, for the first time since the early 90s, more people moved into Michigan from other states than moved out. Our work to get things done on the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives is paying off. 

“Amid rising costs and so much national economic uncertainty, families are looking to put down roots somewhere they can still afford to live a good life. Michigan is that place. In Michigan, you can still buy a house on a middle-class salary, find a good-paying, high-skill job with or without a four-year degree, give your child a high-quality public education from preK through community college for free, and enjoy a great quality of life with four distinct seasons and access to some of the best natural resources in the world.  

“While this growth is a sign that our strategy is working, we have to double down. This year, let’s continue delivering on the issues that matter most to working families. Let’s build more quality, affordable housing, invest in lifelong education and literacy, bring home more good-paying jobs, fix those damn roads, and protect our lakes and land. Let’s welcome new Michiganders who want to live in our beautiful peninsulas and help us write the next chapter of our state’s incredible story. 

“Our nation has been through a lot over the last few years, and people everywhere are still chasing the simple promises of the American Dream—a home, a job, a community, and hope for the future. In Michigan, you can live the American Dream. Come join us.”  

-courtesy story