Governor Whitmer Announces More Than 1,300 Jobs, $240 Million Invested into Michigan’s Economy

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced four projects that have committed to creating more than 1,300 jobs and investing more than $240 million in communities across the Michigan.
 
“Michigan is open for business and on the move, creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy so every family can succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “From advanced robotics to finance software to dairy, these four companies will drive growth and cutting-edge innovation in Michigan. Their partnership will bring over 1,300 new good-paying jobs to Michigan, helping us revitalize our communities and empower our workforce. I’ll keep going anywhere and working with anyone to make Michigan the best place to live, work, and invest.” 
 
“From advanced technology solutions expanding their footprint in the United States here in Michigan, to FinTech innovations and dairy farmers, we are once again proud to support businesses who represent Michigan’s diverse economy. These companies’ continued vote of confidence in Michigan is appreciated by Team Michigan,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “While work remains, we are thrilled that the MSF Board continues to support opportunities to enhance the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy focused on People, Places, and Projects, and to further demonstrate to local, regional, national, and international audiences that Michigan remains open for business.” 
 
Teradyne Set to Establish U.S. Operations Hub in Michigan 
OVERVIEW: Teradyne, a leading supplier of automatic test equipment and advanced robotics, will establish a U.S. Operations Hub in the City of Wixom (Oakland County) with support from a $2.7 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant approved by the MSF Board. 
 
The project will create approximately 230 new jobs and invest up to $32 million to manufacture Universal Robots industrial collaborative robots, known as cobots, with future potential to include MiR autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The facility will also serve as a regional customer training center, service hub, and visitor experience center. 
 
“Locating this hub in Metro Detroit puts us at the center of U.S. manufacturing and innovation,” said Justin Brown, Chief Commercial Officer of the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Being close to leading manufacturers allows us to deliver automation solutions to some of our biggest customers, enabling Teradyne Robotics to be even more agile and responsive. The region’s industrial foundation, strong talent base, world-class universities and growing aerospace sector make it an ideal base to support advanced manufacturing in the United States.” 
 
“Teradyne’s decision to locate its cutting-edge U.S. Operations Headquarters, along with more than 200 good-paying jobs to Wixom, is great news,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “It’s a testament to the commitment and collaboration that Oakland County and the state of Michigan have shown to strengthening our economy and growing jobs in the important sectors of advanced manufacturing and robotics.” 
 
WHY IT MATTERS: The hub will support American manufacturers in boosting productivity, reshoring, upskilling, and increasing automation to address workforce challenges, improve workplace safety, and enhance global competitiveness. Teradyne considered locating this operations hub in five different states but chose Michigan for its strong talent base and manufacturing heritage.  
 
“The City of Wixom welcomes Teradyne, Inc. as they establish this first-of-its-kind facility that will bring advanced robotics manufacturing, service, and operations to our community,” said Wixom Mayor Patrick Beagle. “We’re proud to be their new home and look forward to supporting the more than 200 new employees Teradyne plans to locate here as the next step in their more than 60-year history as an industry-leader in the automation and robotics space.” 
 
To find out more about this initiative please visit the UR news center. Download video and photos here.  
Those interested in a career with Teradyne can visit their website. 
 
Technology Solutions Company Eccalon Establishing HQ to Michigan 
OVERVIEW: Technology solutions company Eccalon will establish its headquarters in the City of Detroit (Wayne County) after receiving approval from the MSF Board to build a multifunctional innovation and workforce development hub with support from a $10 million MBDP grant and a five-year State Essential Services Act exemption with an estimated value of $249,120 for its anticipated $25 million eligible investment in personal property.  
 
The project intends to create at least 800 new jobs with pay ranging from $25 per hour up to $100 per hour – above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour – and invest $71 million. 
 
“Eccalon is proud to be able to bring this project to Detroit, and we look forward to helping Detroit and Michigan continue to grow,” said André Gudger, Chairman & CEO of Eccalon. 
 
Eccalon plans to use The Icon building on the Detroit Riverfront for a wide range of programs, including cybersecurity, underwater drone production, AI/ML research, biotech, next-generation energy solutions, and sports and entertainment broadcasting. Eccalon will also bring its experience in defense work to Michigan. 
 
WHY IT MATTERS: Eccalon’s proposed project builds on the momentum Michigan has seen in the defense, future mobility, and innovation industries supported by the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration. It joins recent announcements that include American Rheinmetall, Veptos moving from Texas to Michigan, a new fighter mission coming to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and others as demonstrable proof of Michigan’s strong workforce and supply chain for variety of industries and purposes. 
 
The company chose Michigan because of the Detroit’s legacy of innovation, proximity to a diverse talent pool, and immediate access to cleared or shovel-ready tech infrastructure – all of which have seen strategic investments by the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration through the MEDC.  
 
Further, Eccalon feels strongly about connectedness with community and plans to implement several long-term initiatives that could include supporting Detroit’s growing film, digital arts, and immersive content ecosystem, to workforce development efforts with Detroit’s public schools, a Historically Black College or University, and community colleges, among other potential opportunities.  
 
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: The news was applauded by the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). 
 
“The Detroit Region continues to demonstrate what we have long known – we have the talent, energy, and momentum to attract the most forward-looking companies in the country,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the DRP. “Eccalon’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Detroit is another major step forward for inclusive economic growth in the region and reinforces the valuable relationships between our state and local partners and the Detroit Regional Partnership. We’re proud to welcome Eccalon to the Detroit Region and excited to see their growth and impact in the years ahead.” 
 
“Eccalon will be a powerful addition to our community, and their decision to build in Detroit demonstrates their confidence in our future. We have what defense contractors need – world-class manufacturing DNA, a diverse talent pipeline, and partners ready to develop the workforce of tomorrow through our schools and institutions,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the DEGC. “The 800 high-paying jobs and deep community investments they’re bringing will positively impact Detroit’s economy.” 
 
Those interested in a career with Eccalon can view their website or send an email to [email protected] for more information. 
 
HealthBridge Financial, Inc. Expanding in West Michigan 
OVERVIEW: HealthBridge Financial, a FinTech company that helps bridge the gap of payments for critical services between patients and health professionals, will expand in West Michigan with support from a $1.5 million MBDP grant approved today by the MSF Board.
 
The company currently has its headquarters in Grand Rapids (Kent County). With support from the MBDP, they expect to create at least 200 new jobs in Kent County and invest roughly $17 million.  
 
“We founded HealthBridge to fundamentally change the way people pay for and afford healthcare in this country. As we expand into new markets nationwide, Michigan remains a strategic home for our growth,” said Gregory VandenBosch, Co-Founder and CEO, HealthBridge Financial, Inc. “MEDC’s support allows us to create new jobs in Kent County and strengthen the infrastructure needed to advance this mission from right here in Michigan.” 
 
The company considered locations in Chicago, Il., as well as Arizona, Texas, and Nevada, among others, but chose Michigan because of its roots in the state.  
 
“The Right Place is excited that HealthBridge Financial has decided to expand its operations in the Grand Rapids area,” said Brent Case, Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. “The company had appealing options in other regions across the country; however, our area's skilled talent pool, strong work ethic, supportive business climate, and the company’s commitment to its hometown were significant factors in the decision to grow right here.” 
 
WHY IT MATTERS: FinTech is a rapidly growing industry with high-paying jobs. This project and its investment both preserves an innovative company in the state of Michigan and also enhances Michigan’s economic resilience by building up the state’s footprint in a strategic industry that is less susceptible to the economic swings Michigan traditionally endures. 
 
For those interested in a career with HealthBridge, visit their website. 
 
Michigan Milk Producers Association Secures Support for Two Dairy Processing Plants 
OVERVIEW: The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) will create at least 76 new jobs and invest up to $122.6 million into facilities in the City of Ovid (Clinton County) and Wheatland Township (Mecosta County) after receiving MSF Board approval for an MBDP and two separate Alternative State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) exemptions.  
 
“The support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has been instrumental in helping us move forward with strategic investments that strengthen our cooperative and add value for our member-owners,” said Joe Diglio, President & CEO of MMPA. “By expanding our product mix with cottage cheese and growing our ultrafiltered milk production capacity, we’re not only meeting consumer demand but also supporting the region's dairy economy for the long term.” 
 
In the City of Ovid, the MMPA will create 13 jobs and add to its existing campus by expanding the facility’s processing capabilities for ultrafiltered milk commonly used in products such as high-protein yogurts and ready-to-drink protein shakes. It received approval for a five-year, 50% SESA Exemption with an estimated value of up to $195,365 for its roughly $32.5 million investment in Eligible Personal Property. 
 
In Wheatland Township, the MMPA will implement new equipment and production capabilities tailored to cultured dairy products at a facility previously owned by Leprino Foods that ceased operations earlier this year. This project expects to create 63 jobs and received approval for a five-year, 50% Alternative SESA Exemption with an estimated value of up to $225,535 for an estimated $37.58 million investment in Eligible Personal Property. 
 
The MMPA also received approval for a $662,500 MBDP grant to be used for both projects. The overall capital investment for both projects is up to $122.68 million. 
 
WHY IT MATTERS: Both Mecosta County – where the recently vacant Wheatland Township facility lives – and the City of Ovid rely on jobs associated with these projects. When the facility in Mecosta County shuttered, it devastated a community that already has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. And in the City of Ovid, the MMPA is the largest employer.  
 
Founded in 1916, the MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It now has five member-owned processing plants in this region with the addition of the Wheatland Township facility: Three in Michigan, one in Indiana, and one in Ohio. MMPA’s projects will give both Wheatland Township and the City of Ovid new opportunities that – by the very nature of MMPA being a regional organization – could easily go elsewhere. 
 
Finally, the dairy industry is a significant contributor to Michigan’s agricultural sector: The Mitten State is home to approximately 850 dairy farms (97% family-owned) raising more than 436,000 dairy cows that produced nearly 12 billion pounds of milk in 2024 alone.  
 
NOTE FROM THE MEDC: 
Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as reimbursement based on eligible expenditures, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.