Governor Whitmer just announced Michigan will receive $18 million from the Department of Energy to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.
A news release says Michigan’s funding accounts for over one-third of the $50 million grant program, which was created in direct response to a proposal submitted by the Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity last year. It recommended the Department of Energy create a program for small suppliers and medium-sized auto suppliers.
The governor’s office says this investment allows Michigan to develop a domestic and diversified EV supply chain and retain high-quality, good-paying jobs among other goals.
According to the Center for Automotive Research, Michigan is home to over 1,000 independent automotive suppliers, and 140 of these suppliers and over 45,000 of their workers, may need to retool their facilities.
The Governor’s Office adds the $18 million in funding will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and manufacturing.
