Advanced Manufacturing

Focus Industry

Michigan redefined manufacturing with the automotive assembly line a century ago. We're redefining it again, and the robotics and automation systems developed here don't have far to travel. Manufacturers across the state put that technology to work on their factory floors, backed by hands-on support to assess where it delivers the biggest return, connect with the engineers who build it and the specialized suppliers who can install it.

Michigan ranks 4th nationally for total manufacturing employment and has the 6th largest advanced manufacturing workforce.

Michigan has nearly 250,000 skilled trades workers, the eighth-largest workforce in the country.

Michigan has more than three times the national concentration of commercial, electrical and mechanical engineers.

Michigan's Project DIAMOnD, the nation’s largest connected 3D-printing network, gives manufacturers access to industrial 3D printers for prototyping, tooling and production.

Michigan is home to the nation’s first Industry 4.0 Accelerator program, launched by Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab and Lawrence Tech’s Centrepolis Accelerator.

Michigan is a national leader for employment in industries related to Industry 4.0 and automation, with over 22,000 workers employed in related industrial machinery manufacturing in 2025.

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The Power of Michigan Manufacturing

Michigan continues to innovate and change the face of manufacturing here and around the world. With personalized business support, an extensive ecosystem of advanced manufacturing companies, and the partners and resources to help your business succeed, Michigan is Pure Opportunity.

Top Advanced Manufacturing Companies in Michigan

The technology in the industry is here, and more importantly, the pool of people that we need for our business is here.

Vincenzo Longo

President, Global Retool Group North America LLC

Industry 4.0

Michigan’s manufacturing heritage, talented workforce and high-tech, innovative vision has allowed forward-thinking companies throughout the state to align with Industry 4.0. Paired with business resources from MEDC and our partners, Michigan is a leader in smart manufacturing.

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Advanced Manufacturing News and Success Stories

Press Release

Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program Expands Eligibility to Small Manufacturers Across Michigan

Small manufacturers across Michigan can now access no-cost business support through the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P), following an expansion of program eligibility from six counties to all 83 counties in the state.

News

Report: Benefits greatly exceed costs for Michigan battery factories

Report from Upjohn Institute finds total benefits of battery facilities in Michigan exceed incentive costs by about 55% ($880 million) across five major projects

Success Story

Grand Traverse Plastics

Based in Williamsburg, halfway between Traverse City and Kalkaska, Grand Traverse Plastics has contributed to the state’s robust manufacturing heritage as a Tier 1 automotive and material handling supplier since 1981. The leader in functional injection molding is focused on the production of engineered plastic under-the-hood components for battery systems, engines and transmission applications, as well as conveyor system components.

Success Story

Barron Industries

With MEDC support for a new advanced manufacturing center and international trade, the family-owned metal casting company is growing into a broader role at the heart of Michigan’s defense industry.

Voices

Kyle Yoder of MetalFab Manufacturing

For Kyle Yoder, general manager of MetalFab Manufacturing, success has always been shaped by family, faith and a deep connection to the land he calls home. With a focus on innovation and community, Kyle is showing how a small company from Northern Michigan can make a big impact.

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Voices

George Aultman of Vantage Plastics

Twenty-seven years ago, George Aultman and his brother Paul were approached by two brothers who owned an existing plastics business, asking the Aultman brothers if they were interested in purchasing the facility. From its humble beginnings with six employees and three machines, Standish-based Vantage Plastics has used innovation and ingenuity to grow steadily to roughly the 415-employees, multiple-additional machines, and the vertically integrated operation it is today.

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Developing the HVAC Industry of the Future

Michigan is a hotbed of research and high-skilled talent, complete with the support necessary to take groundbreaking heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) tech to market. And with our advanced energy focus, there’s no better place for companies to develop products like heat pumps and furnaces that emphasize energy efficiency and electricity.

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Michigan's heritage as a leader in the advanced manufacturing industry is highlighted in several episodes of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Now in its sixth season, host Ed Clemente has been joined by several guests specializing in advanced manufacturing and Industy 4.0. Click on the episode links to the right and listen to insightful conversations and hear about new, emerging global trends.

Advanced Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Episodes:

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Living in Michigan

Michigan’s attractive business climate is surpassed only by its natural beauty and active lifestyle. With four seasons, 11,000 lakes and the country’s longest freshwater coastline, Michigan offers ample opportunities to enjoy all kinds of recreational activities. We also have the lowest cost of living of any state in the Midwest. When it comes to living and doing business, nothing compares to Pure Michigan.

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Michigan is an Industry Leader

Mobility and Automotive Manufacturing

Michigan is the past, present and future of the global automotive industry.

Engineering Design and Development

As the world leader in automotive and mobility R&D, Michigan is driving the next generation of industry innovation.

Professional and Corporate Services

Companies continue to choose Michigan to locate their headquarters and businesses, tapping into the concentration of talent available for professional and corporate services industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Michigan is building on its rich manufacturing heritage and technological know-how to develop the innovative, high-tech products of the future.

Life Sciences & Medical Devices

Michigan’s manufacturing prowess and core of world-class medical device companies make the state a top tier location for medical device development and manufacturing.

Tech

Michigan is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for protecting the security of systems and people across the state, country and world.

Semiconductor

Home to the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S., Michigan’s ability to support the semiconductor industry extends from being the global epicenter of the automotive industry.

Advanced Energy

From the manufacturing of electric vehicle charging stations to solar panels and wind turbines, Michigan is a national leader in advanced energy investments.

Advanced Manufacturing

Developing the HVAC Industry of the Future

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

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