“Once again, the nation is taking notice of the bold reforms now driving Michigan forward. More companies are choosing to grow their futures in Michigan, creating more and better jobs here,” MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood said. “The best way to boost our state's economy and improve the quality of life for all is to create an environment that encourages business investment and innovation.”
Site Selection (www.siteselection.com), a global business publication, verified 217 projects in Michigan that met capital investment, job-creation or size standards as part of its annual Governor's Cup ranking. This year, Michigan finished behind Texas, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Rounding out the top 10 were Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Indiana.
Major new corporate projects for Michigan in 2015 included expansions by leading automotive suppliers ZF (Northville Township), Detroit Diesel Corporation (Redford Township), and Sakthi Automotive Group USA (Detroit); Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America’s expansion of its Ann Arbor Township facility; Notions Marketing Corporation (Grand Rapids); and Carhartt Inc. (Dearborn).
“This recognition sends a message around the world that Michigan's highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities make our state a top location for new corporate expansions,” Arwood said. “Over the last several years, we have greatly improved Michigan's business climate and infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to find new paths to prosperity, and our changes are paying off.”
The reforms have led to top state ranking for major new and expanded facilities for four consecutive years; top 10 ranking for automotive employment, new manufacturing jobs, and education tech skills; and ranking as 13th among all states for overall business tax climate by the Tax Foundation.
Notable achievements in creating a business-friendly climate over the past five years include elimination of Michigan's business tax, building the state’s rainy day fund, elimination of state’s structural deficit and reduction of nearly 2,000 unnecessary regulations. The state also is working to develop talent, working to connect schools and businesses to help students graduate with in-demand skills.
The reforms have led to top state ranking for major new and expanded facilities for four consecutive years; top 10 ranking for automotive employment, new manufacturing jobs, and education tech skills; and ranking as 13th among all states for overall business tax climate by the Tax Foundation.
Site Selection’s Conway Projects Database focuses on new corporate facility projects with significant impact, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations and logistics sites, among others. It does not track retail and government projects, or schools and hospitals. New facilities and expansions included in the analyses must meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million; (b) create at least 20 new jobs; or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area.
Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Inc., delivers expansion planning information to 48,000 executives of fast-growing firms around the world. The Governor's Cup rankings are available online at http://siteselection.com/issues/2016/mar/cover.cfm.