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FDI Directory · SelectUSA snapshot, February 2025

Michigan

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

Priority sectors
12
Incentive programmes
4
Shovel-ready sites
3
Incubators
3
Countries courted
10

Sectors it is courting

Investment it is seeking from

Supply-chain projects it is looking for

Electric Vehicles (EVs), Large Capacity Batteries, Medical Devices, Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Packaging

Site-selection services it offers

The State of Michigan provides strategic business services to corporations expanding into Michigan, including greenfield and brownfield analysis, infrastructure reviews, confidential site searches, workforce labor studies and connecting the company with the appropriate entities, including utility companies, to evaluate site specifics. Further, Michigan assists communities and its partner entities with the development/enhancement of industrial sites to make them build ready and ready to compete for site selection projects. Build ready sites may be defined as a site that has appropriate planning, zoning, surveys, title work, environmental conditions, soil conditions, infrastructure is in place or preliminary engineering is completed, the property is available for sale and development and site information is ready, and up to date. Michigan also operates an electronic site location network that allows for confidential, customized site information tailored to a company’s needs. This system allows us to provide immediate information on available buildings, certified industrial parks, and Greenfield sites in any area of Michigan. Michigan's development toolbox is full of highly competitive, performance-based incentives to ensure we have what you need to Make It in Michigan.

Incentive programmes

  • Grant

    The Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) provides financial incentives to eligible applicants to conduct eligible activities on, or related to, strategic sites and mega-strategic sites in Michigan, for the purpose of creating a statewide inventory of investment-ready sites to attract and promote investment in Michigan. Administered by MEDC on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), the SSRP provides access to grants, loans, and other economic assistance. The Critical Industry Program (CIP) provides qualified investments to qualified businesses for deal-closing, gap financing, or other economic assistance to create or retain qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production or make capital investments, or both, in Michigan as determined by the MSF board. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/ssrp/ https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/cip/

  • Tax Exemption

    The State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) is required for manufacturers that do not pay personal property tax on eligible manufacturing personal property. The MSF, in certain circumstances, may choose to exempt or reduce the Assessment for projects that create jobs and/or private investment in Michigan through the State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) Exemption or the Alternative State Essential Services Assessment Incentive. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/sesa/ The Industrial Facilities Exemption offers significant tax breaks on real and personal property for manufacturers that renovate aging facilities, assist in the building of new facilities, and to promote the establishment of high tech facilities. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/pa-198/

  • Loan/Loan Participation

    The Michigan Business Development Program (MDBP) provides flexible terms on performance-based grants and loans up to $10 million. The MBDP supports the vision of making Michigan’s economy the nation’s fastest growing, most equitable, and most resilient by structuring deals that will create long-term economic opportunities critical to keep Michigan competitive in the dynamic business development environment. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/mbdp/

  • Other

    Through a variety of programs and resources, Michigan offers personalized assistance for businesses starting, relocating or expanding operations in the state. In addition, Michigan ranks among the top 10 states for major new and expanded facilities due to a fair and efficient 6% corporate income tax and $500 million in annual business savings through the elimination of industrial personal property tax. Michigan has established several state and local economic development resources that provide support for companies investing and expanding their operations and workforces in Michigan communities. Michigan’s collection of world-class talent is among the top reasons why businesses locate and expand in the state. MEDC collaborates with partner agencies throughout the state to develop, attract and retain the workforce needed in today’s business climate. For more information on MEDC's incentives, please visit: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/incentives-and-taxes/

Shovel-ready sites

  • Great Lakes Tech Park: 231-acre shovel ready site, located at the cross-section of two state highways: M-46 (Gratiot) and M-52 (Graham), twelve miles from Interstate 75 and thirteen miles from MBS International Airport, 9 miles from a seaport connecting to the Great Lakes and to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway, and approximately 100 miles from the Canadian border.

    Site details

  • Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County: 1,100-acre shovel ready site, very close proximity to highway access with two major highway within 3 miles (½ mile to Interstate 69 and 3 miles to Interstate 75) ½ mile away from CN Class I and 4 miles to CN Torrey Yard, 4 miles from Bishop International Airport and 75 miles from Detroit Metro Airport.

    Site details

  • Jackson Technology Park North: 183.5-acre shovel ready site, located 1.3 miles from Interstate 94, 3 miles from Highway 60, 3.7 miles from Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field.

    Site details

Technology-sector sub-sectors sought

AgTech (including FoodTech), CleanTech, FinTech, HealthTech (including MedTech), ICT (including Software / Cybersecurity / AI)

Programmes for international technology startups

Michigan is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and world-class innovation. No other state in the nation provides the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial support to emerging companies like Michigan. MEDC offers an interactive tool to discover the entrepreneurial programs, funding opportunities and resources available in Michigan specifically curated based on your place in the entrepreneurial journey. MEDC works with all the partners and organizations included to provide a robust ecosystem across the state. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/entrepreneurial-opportunity/

Incubators and accelerators

  • SmartZones

    SmartZones provide distinct geographical locations where technology-based companies, entrepreneurs and researchers can locate in close proximity to community assets that assist in their endeavors. SmartZones include technology business accelerators that provide resources and various services to Michigan entrepreneurs.

  • Plug and Play Detroit

    By launching a location closer to the OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, Plug and Play Detroit aims to involve the business units directly with the startup technologies, ultimately achieving more pilot projects, proof of concepts, and strategic partnerships.

  • Newlab

    Newlab applies transformative technologies to things that matter. Home to over 800 top entrepreneurs, engineers, and inventors solving the world’s biggest challenges with leaders and experts across industries and cities. Technology disciplines include robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science all applied to create solutions for pressing problems in public health, the environment, truth in media, our cities, and infrastructure.

University and workforce programmes

  • STEAM Ahead Internship Program

    Thanks to the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, Delta College will help train SK Siltron CSS employees for the semiconductor producer’s new facility in Bay County. The company has grown by about 100 people in the last two years with an additional 150 new jobs added when the expansion to the Bay City facility starts production in April. About 70% of the facility will be staffed by skilled manufacturing workers and 30% by engineers, the latter of which would be the employees receiving this training. Providing free training for employers that are creating new jobs and/or expanding operations in Michigan, the Michigan New Jobs Training Program in partnership with Delta College will help prepare new talent for their roles. A lot of the training delivered will be highly technical and center around individuals who are hired into the new positions as well as existing employees.

  • Strategic Investments in Education

    The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has been addressing key talent challenges through several initiatives under a public-private model, the Talent Action Team (TAT), which brings industry, PK-12, higher education, training and recruitment program partners together to support industry awareness and talent training for high-growth industries (e.g., EV, mobility, semiconductors, aerospace/defense). One of those initiatives is our Strategic Investments in Education which provide catalytic funding for our education partners to collaborate with our employers and community and workforce partners to develop (A) PK-12 Career Exploration programs and (B) curriculum and job training programs (credit or non-credit) that ensure Michiganders have the skillsets and training required to be successful.

Additional services

Michigan takes a customized approach to supporting all organizations looking to grow in Michigan. The state understands every business is unique and will require flexibility and creativity. Fortunately, Michigan is home to almost 1,500 foreign companies that made the decision to call it home. This network has created an environment that is ready and willing to support the next company. Michigan has the resources to support the first to North American investor to the multinational corporations. In addition to their whole suite of programs, Michigan is home to law firms, accounting firms, and banks with the expertise and experience to guide international corporations through every stage.

In its own words

Team Michigan is poised to support relocation and expansion efforts with a collaborative, efficient process designed to meet any need. Our state agencies, local and regional partners, utilities, workforce training institutions, permitting authorities, and higher education institutions are ready to assist. By leveraging our extensive state and local economic development resources, Michigan offers tailored solutions to help companies invest in and grow operations and workforce within our vibrant communities. With our support, companies can offset costs related to construction, infrastructure, labor, recruitment, and training. For over two decades, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has played a pivotal role in transforming the state’s economy. By fostering international relationships, connecting business leaders, and building stronger communities, MEDC has created a robust foundation for economic growth. Michigan remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Global Business Attraction team is dedicated to assisting global firms by engaging with companies at their headquarters, attending conferences and trade shows, and building international partnerships. MEDC’s agreements with foreign governments and organizations underscore our commitment to collaboration and shared success. Michigan’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic strategy is founded on three key pillars: Projects, People, and Places. Projects: We are committed to competing for and securing projects that bring manufacturing and supply chains back home. People: We invest in the potential of individuals from pre-K through postsecondary education, ensuring they have the tools and freedoms to succeed. Places: We work to revitalize communities, making them more appealing places to live, work, and invest. With a comprehensive approach and a strong track record of success, Team Michigan is ready to help foreign direct investment thrive in our state.

Investor account, as submitted

EOI Pioneer Inc. is a subsidiary of Excellence Optoelectronics, Inc. a Taiwan-based manufacturer of LED light sources and electronics assemblies for the automotive industry. EOI is seeing substantial growth in its global automotive business and created EOI Pioneer to begin manufacturing in North America in 2001. The company will establish new manufacturing operations in an existing building in Dundee. Converting the manufacturing area to electrostatic discharge and temperature- and humidity-controlled clean enclosure for a cutting-edge electronics manufacturing process to fulfill the rapidly growing automotive electronics demand. “It’s our goal to become one of the pioneers of innovative light sources in automotive industry, to create value to our customers, and to make a big contribution to the world. Today as we celebrate this facility’s opening, we are very grateful for our governor, Ms. Gretchen Whitmer, the state of Michigan, MEDC, Monroe County, and the village of Dundee, for the kindness of the support that has been provided,” said EOI Chairman and President Fanny Huang. “Michigan’s business climate and highly skilled manufacturing workforce provide an environment where businesses like EOI Pioneer can grow and thrive, creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders in Monroe County,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This is great news for working people, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like EOI Pioneer, we can continue to push forward to make our state’s economy stronger than ever.” In March 2022, LG Energy Solution (LGES) announced a $1.7 billion investment to quintuple plant capacity in Holland, Michigan. providing a strong pipeline to produce battery components in Michigan as the electric vehicle industry grows. The project will generate $14 million and create up to 195 new jobs. “LGES is at the forefront of green business, promoting sustainability, electrification and innovation. We have already become a contributor to the State of Michigan’s ‘championship economy.’ Michigan was a natural choice…because of its rich pool of talent, being close to the geographic epicenter of the automotive industry and its strong support,” said President of LGES Michigan Bonchul Koo. “I am optimistic about realizing LG Energy Solution’s aim to achieve carbon neutral by 2050 and about creating ripple effects of environment conscious business in Michigan and beyond. I look forward to what the future holds.” LGES chose Holland in 2010, for its first EV battery plant in the U.S., planting a flag for the state’s national leadership in battery manufacturing. LGES now has 1,495 employees in Michigan with the South Korean electronics giant growing its Holland battery factory in 2018, adding 100,000 square feet to its facilities. Once again, LGES has chosen Michigan as its home for opportunity and growth, helping put the state in a position to prevail in battery manufacturing as the automotive industry moves toward an electric future.

Submitted by the economic development organisation, not independently verified.

Regional partner organisations

Who to contact

  • Rachel DonaldsonManaging Director, Global Attractiondonaldsonr2@michigan.org(517) 930-7124

300 North Washington Square, Lansing

What Michigan did not submit

These headings exist in the federal questionnaire and this jurisdiction left them blank. Blank means unanswered, not zero — it is not evidence that there is nothing there.

  • Clean-energy programmes

Source: SelectUSA FDI Database — U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. All profile text above is Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)'s own submission, carried verbatim. Snapshot: February 2025. Programmes close, budgets change and people move on; confirm with the organisation before acting on anything here.

Michigan: what it offers foreign investors — Applied America