AEROSPACE

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Aerospace

From manufacturing resources and capabilities to talent, Michigan offers everything you need to make your aerospace business soar. The state's new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation supports growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation, testing, and attraction in both defense and commercial-related applications. Michigan is also a leader in materials R&D with LIFT and has the largest concentration of electrical, mechanical and industrial engineers in the nation.

Michigan ranks within the Top 10 in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.

Michigan is home to more than 600 aerospace-related companies.

Michigan has the 6th largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the country, with more than 62,800 workers employed in advanced manufacturing industries in 2023.

Michigan leads the nation in concentration of employment for commercial and mechanical engineers.

The University of Michigan boasts the No. 4 ranked undergraduate aerospace engineering program in the country.

Michigan is home to two lightweight materials manufacturing U.S.A. institutes.

Located within 500 miles of nearly half the U.S. and Canadian population and commerce centers, Michigan provides unparalleled access to the market.

Michigan has the highest concentration of electrical and mechanical engineers in the nation.

Flying High: How Aerospace Propels Michigan’s Economy

Michigan has all the pieces necessary to not only birth technology and aerospace firms but take them to maturity and beyond. The state's strong talent pipeline, higher educational facilities, and growing venture capital community have been among the the keys to success for growing companies like to Orbion Space Technology, Northern Wings and more.

Aerospace News & Success Stories

News

Whitmer Announces Unmanned Triple Challenge, A Drone Competition Over Land, Water, and Air in 2025

At the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX), Governor Whitmer announced the Unmanned Triple Challenge, a state-sponsored competition to drive innovation in autonomous drone technology. Entrants will be tasked with using unmanned, autonomous drones to seamlessly transport a package across Michigan traversing air, land, and water.

Orbion Space Technology

Orbion Space Technology is doing what no other high-tech aerospace company has done before: offering a Hall-effect plasma thruster system, coined Aurora, at a price that is within reach of commercial satellite companies.

GE Aviation

To meet current demands and anticipated growth, GE Aviation, one of the world’s leading aircraft engine suppliers, is investing $14.5 million in its west Michigan subsidiary, Johnson Technology. The investment, which includes an $800,000 performance-based grant from the MEDC and a local property tax abatement, will be used to convert a warehouse into a new facility to produce components for the new Leap engine. "The MEDC and the City of Norton Shores made the process simple and streamlined from start to finish and helped us get approval to put the work and the jobs in Muskegon," said Kevin Prindable, plant leader. Acquired by GE Aviation in 1997, this will be Johnson Technology’s third Muskegon-area aviation engine manufacturing facility. The company plans to add 100 jobs to its 700-person workforce.

Kalitta Air

Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1992, Connie Kalitta has been synonymous with speed. Starting a career in transport aviation nearly 50 years ago, Kalitta has always been about delivering. With a $2 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Kalitta Air built an 80,000-square-foot hangar to maintain a growing fleet of aircraft and added 150 jobs. “It’s an exciting project and a good multiplier,” said former MEDC President and CEO Steve Arwood. Perfect for companies that have a need for speed in Pure Michigan.

SkySpecs, Inc.

Safer. Faster. That is the promise of the autonomous drone technology from Ann Arbor-based SkySpecs Inc. Used initially to enable drones to safely inspect wind turbines, use for cell towers and bridges is not far behind. And with help from the state to increase their online visibility in Europe, there’s no telling what heights SkySpecs will reach. It’s the type of support you’d expect from a state whose aerospace industry generates nearly $1 billion in annual sales. The kind of promise that’s Pure Michigan.

Michigan's Aerospace and Defense Industries

As the state that revolutionized the automotive industry, Michigan has taken to the skies to become one of the top places in the country for aerospace business. The state is home to the Unmanned AerialSystems Consortium (MUASC), supporting the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems through coordinated services, access to unique airspace and diverse geography. Experience the same prioritized FAA approval processes as the seven FAA UAS Test Sites when flying in Michigan. MUASC will coordinate the access you need to test your platform faster and more effectively in the state.

In addition, Michigan’s defense industry ranks high above the rest. In partnership with the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), MEDC acts as a liaison between the state and defense interests in the federal government, defense agencies, the defense industry, academia and the defense community. The ODAI develops and offers defense specific resources to assist Michigan companies in doing business in federal contracting and the supply chain.

Learn More About Michigan's Defense Industry

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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.

Clean Energy

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