Business Expansions Create 110 Automotive Industry Jobs, more than $16 million in investment in Oakland County

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two business expansion announcements in Oakland County that will result in more than $16 million in capital investment and create at least 110 new jobs, contributing to the state’s thriving automotive industry. 

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like auto manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement will create 110 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.” 

“Today’s project announcements highlight Michigan’s longstanding leadership in the automotive industry and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s ongoing commitment to helping businesses succeed and expand in the state,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We applaud Horse Powertrain and AirBoss Defense Group for their investments in Michigan and their commitment to creating high-quality automotive industry jobs in Oakland County.” 

AirBoss Defense Group, LLC. (ADG), headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, provides advanced survivability solutions for military personnel, first responders, and healthcare workers worldwide. Its parent company, AirBoss of America Corp., headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, leverages a vertically integrated business model through multiple businesses, including ADG. Together, these divisions serve defense, automotive, emergency response, industrial, and healthcare markets with a range of products and technologies including Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection, respiratory protection systems, blast mitigation solutions, mobility systems, and personal protective equipment. 

In response to the growing global demand for advanced personal protection technologies and innovative multi-threat protection systems for military, first responder, industrial, and emergency preparedness applications, ADG plans to establish a CBRN Center for Excellence in Auburn Hills. ADG considered alternatives, including maintaining operations in Maryland, but chose Auburn Hills for its advanced manufacturing capabilities and established industrial and engineering ecosystem. Building on these established capabilities, ADG is making substantial investment in the development of the proposed facility which is expected to integrate production, research and development, and executive operations serving as a hub for the research, development, and advancement of next-generation respiratory protection and protective clothing solutions.

The project, which has been awarded a $300,000 MBDP performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, is expected to bring a capital investment of up to $15,036,500 in the City of Auburn Hills and create up to 78 qualified new jobs over a period of five years. Forty jobs are expected to have starting wages of $32 per hour or more, which is above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour, and include managerial and technical positions. The 38 additional jobs are expected to have an average wage of $20.40 per hour plus benefits; these positions are low barrier entry level positions, including employer-sponsored health benefits, and are represented by the Local 690L chapter of United Steelworkers.  

“We are grateful for the support of MEDC as we continue to invest in the future of advanced protective technologies,” said John Johns, president, AirBoss Defense Group, LLC. “Auburn Hills offers a strong manufacturing base, a highly skilled workforce, deep engineering and technology resources, and strong local and state support, making it an ideal location for our CBRN Center of Excellence. This investment will strengthen our ability to develop and deliver next-generation survivability solutions while creating new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long-term economic impact in Michigan.”  

When complete, the project will build upon Michigan’s established strengths in engineering, advanced materials, and industrial manufacturing while further diversifying the state’s economy into emerging defense and protection technologies. 

“The City of Auburn Hills is proud to support AirBoss and its continued investment in its existing facility and workforce,” said Mayor Eugene Hawkins, III. “This decision by AirBoss reflects the strength of our defense sector and reinforces Auburn Hills as a premier destination for innovation, advanced industry, and long-term economic growth. We appreciate AirBoss’s continued commitment to our city and look forward to the opportunities this investment will create for our residents and business community.” 

“Oakland County is thrilled to welcome AirBoss Defense Group’s Center of Excellence to Auburn Hills,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This expansion is a testament to our world-class manufacturing and engineering talent that supports innovation across industries.” 

“Supporting Michigan-based companies and small businesses drives our local economy and sets Michiganders up for success,” said state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield). “I’m proud that these bold MEDC development grants will help grow our manufacturing industry, generate over $15 million for the City of Auburn Hills, and create 78 new jobs and opportunities right here in our community.” 

For career opportunities with AirBoss Defense Group, visit here.

Horse Powertrain USA Inc. is a leader in powertrain technology solutions working with OEMs worldwide to deliver integrated systems and advanced engineering services. The company is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Horse Powertrain Ltd., based in the United Kingdom, which employs 19,000 people worldwide. The company is seeking to establish its North American operations center and has identified a facility in Southfield (Oakland County) as part of its long-term plans for future business in the state. 

The project is being supported by a $260,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant and is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1,062,520 and create at least 32 new jobs with starting wages above the Regional Median Wage of $24.69 per hour. 

The Southfield facility will be comprised of 7,000-8,000 square feet of spaces to serve as its American management hub for R&D, purchasing, sales, marketing, government affairs, and finance, and position Michigan as a frontrunner for the company’s future developments. 

“Having been born, raised, and spent most of my career in Michigan, it’s a privilege to open Horse Powertrain’s North America office in Southfield,” commented Horse Powertrain USA President Thomas Lewis. “This move marks the next step of our journey, allowing us to directly support local automakers by collaborating with them in deploying our next-gen combustion and hybrid powertrains in their vehicles. In the long-term, our aim is to establish a wider set of business functions in the US and establish Horse Powertrain as a major player in the North American automotive ecosystem.” 

Horse Powertrain also considered facilities in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and chose Michigan for its legacy in the automotive industry, skilled workforce tailored to the sector, and established infrastructure. By locating its North American headquarters in Metro Detroit, Horse Powertrain will also have opportunities to collaborate with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.  

“Welcoming Horse Powertrain’s North American headquarters to Southfield is a great win for our region,” said Justin Robinson, president & CEO at the Detroit Regional Partnership. “Investments like this demonstrate the strength of our automotive ecosystem and, through collaboration with our partners, bring high-quality jobs and meaningful economic impact to our communities. We thank Horse Powertrain for choosing the Detroit Region and investing in our community.”  

“Horse Powertrain’s decision to establish its U.S. headquarters in Oakland County is a powerful testament to our region’s talent, innovation and global business environment,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This investment will bring high-wage jobs to Southfield and position Oakland County at the forefront of future manufacturing and research and development opportunities in Michigan.” 

“HORSE Powertrain’s decision to establish its U.S. presence in Southfield speaks to the strength of our community as a global center for the automotive and mobility industries,” commented Southfield Mayor Kenson J. Siver. “Companies come to Southfield because of our central location, highly skilled workforce, extensive business infrastructure and immediate access to the talent, suppliers and partners that drive this industry forward. We are proud to welcome HORSE Powertrain to our business community.” 

"I'm proud to welcome Horse Powertrain USA to Southfield as they establish their North American operations center here in Oakland County,” said state Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “This $1 million investment and the 32 new jobs it brings, with wages well above our regional median, are exactly the kind of high-quality opportunities our residents deserve. I want to thank the MEDC for their partnership in bringing this project to our community." 

For career opportunities with Horse Powertrain, visit here. 

 

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 Threads.