164 New Jobs, more than $27 Million Expansion Projects coming to Washtenaw, Macomb Counties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two business expansion projects across Michigan creating $27,750,000 in capital investment and 164 good-paying jobs, furthering small business expansions in Michigan. CRP Automotive in Pittsfield is announcing their expansion to support the growing demand for advanced remanufactured automotive service parts. In Macomb, CQT Weapon Systems is expanding its advanced defense manufacturing and training operations to address increasing domestic and international demand. 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like defense and auto manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement will create 164 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place to chase the next big idea. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.” 

“The automotive and defense industries are two vital drivers to Michigan’s overall economy. Today’s announcement expands on the state’s legacy in these industries and creates good-paying jobs,” Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We applaud CRP Automotive and CQT Weapon Systems for their ongoing commitment to Michigan and continued successes.” 

CRP Automotive is announcing an expansion project in Pittsfield to support growing demand for advanced remanufactured automotive service parts as vehicle technology becomes increasingly complex and costly. Original equipment manufacturers in both the light-duty and heavy-duty markets are transitioning toward remanufactured solutions due to the high cost of new replacement parts, particularly those involving advanced electronics and technology-driven systems. However, advanced remanufactured solutions are not currently available for many of these components. CRP’s expansion is designed to address this market gap by developing remanufactured products that must be engineered, built, tested and validated to meet the same quality, performance and reliability standards as original new parts. 

“Opening this new facility is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing need for remanufacturing of complex mechatronics,” said Dan Schildge, CEO of CRP Industries. “We chose Ann Arbor, Michigan because of its strategic location, talented workforce and supportive business community. This facility not only scales our engineering and production capabilities but also brings job opportunities to the area.” 

For this project to move forward in Michigan, the company has been awarded a $100,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant by the Michigan Strategic Fund board. In total, CRP anticipates that the project will result in at least $4,050,000 in capital investment and create nearly 30 new jobs with starting wages of $23.00 per hour plus benefits, which is greater than the regional median wage. 

"CRP Automotive's expansion in Pittsfield Township is an exciting investment in Washtenaw County, bringing new jobs and advancing innovation in automotive remanufacturing. Ann Arbor SPARK is proud to support the company's continued growth in our region," added Jennifer Olmstead, Vice President, Business Development, Ann Arbor SPARK 

CRP Automotive is a veteran-owned, family-led business that was founded in 1954 as Conti Rubber Products, Inc., initially supplying tires to Volkswagen of America. The company has evolved significantly since that time, transitioning from a niche tire distributor to a diversified industry leader in automotive replacement parts, technical fluids and related components. The company’s headquarters is in in Cranbury, New Jersey, and it maintains multiple facilities across the United States and internationally, including operations in South Carolina, Michigan and Puebla, Mexico. 

Learn more about pursuing a career with CRP Automotive

Center for Quality Training International, dba CQT Weapon Systems is expanding its advanced defense manufacturing and training operations to address increasing domestic and international demand for US-made weapons systems, optics integration, and tactical training services. The project involves the acquisition, renovation, and buildout of a 24,000-square foot facility designed to support precision machining, weapons assembly, UAV engineering and production, and technical training functions compliant with federal export regulations. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the MEDC for its continued support of CQT Weapon Systems and our mission to build advanced defense manufacturing capabilities here in Michigan. The resources, guidance, and confidence MEDC has provided have helped accelerate our growth, expand our workforce, and position our company to compete in both domestic and international defense markets,” said Al Dustan II, Chief Executive Officer, CQT Weapon Systems, LLC. “MEDC's support has been instrumental in helping us scale our operations and pursue opportunities that will drive long-term growth, job creation and innovation. We are proud to call Michigan home and remain committed to investing in our people, our technology, and our state's leadership in advanced manufacturing and defense."  

The company has chosen Macomb Township for their expansion and anticipates the project will result in at least $23.7 million in capital investment and the creation of 136 new jobs with starting wages from $27.50 to $40 per hour plus benefits, all exceeding the average median wage of $24.63 for the region. To secure this investment in Michigan as opposed to Ohio, the Michigan Strategic Fund board has approved a $456,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. 

“CQT Weapon Systems' expansion into Macomb Township is an exciting investment in our community and a strong example of the innovation and advanced manufacturing happening right here in Michigan,” added Frank J. Viviano, Macomb Township Supervisor. “We are proud to welcome CQT to Macomb Township which will strengthen our local economy, support job creation and reinforce Macomb Township as a destination for business growth.” 

CQT Weapon Systems, established in 2019, currently has two locations in the Townships of Shelby and Macomb, Michigan. The company currently employs 21 Michigan residents and is a defense manufacturing and technology company that specializes in the design, production and integration of advanced US-made weapons systems, optics and tactical components. CQT provides precision machining, small arms assembly, suppressor and modular accessory development and unmanned systems engineering, along with export-compliant training programs for military, law enforcement and allied defense partners. 

Michigan remains uniquely positioned to capture an outsized share of the nation’s defense reinvestment. The defense and aerospace industry is a vital pillar of Michigan's economy, contributing over $30 billion in economic activity annually. The sector supports more than 166,000 jobs across roughly 4,500 and plays a crucial role in maintaining U.S. military readiness and supply chain resilience. 

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 milestones are reached, 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.