MICHIGAN — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that her administration has secured a $63 million investment from global mobility supplier DENSO in its Battle Creek thermal manufacturing facility to retool production lines, accommodating product offerings that will support the electrification of vehicles in the years ahead.
The investment came as part of Whitmer’s investment mission to Japan. Making the announcement at DENSO’s Global Headquarters in Japan as part of her efforts to secure projects and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders back at home. She was joined by members of Team Michigan, including Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and DENSO board members and executives, among other company leaders.
“We are excited to announce a $63 million investment in Battle Creek, building on DENSO’s footprint in Michigan and continuing our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “This investment mission has given us the opportunity to connect with leadership at companies like DENSO and tell Michigan’s story. Together, we are bringing critical supply chains and investments back home, proving that anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Thanks to announcements like today’s, Michigan will remain a global leader in the future of mobility and electrification.”
Denso has partnered with the state to develop and pilot the EV scholar’s program to enhance the talent pipeline for the EV transition and to upskill those already in the workforce through Michigan Works!. DENSO will also continue to work with the state of Michigan and other community partners on issues that help make southwest Michigan a desirable place to live and work, including workforce development, childcare and housing access.
“We are grateful for the Governor’s commitment to strengthening Michigan’s position as an advanced mobility leader,” said Andy Clemence, a senior vice president at DENSO and leader of the Green Business Group. “While our locations across the globe and North America are vital to our mission of contributing to a better world, we are proud of the impact that our Michigan teams have in designing, developing, testing and producing DENSO products. The investment will help our team build upon our rich legacy in the state and propel us toward a greener, safer future.”
During the investment mission, the governor also met with the leadership at AISIN Corporation, one of the largest Tier One automotive parts and systems suppliers in the world. AISIN currently has six locations throughout Michigan and proudly conducts 100 percent of its research and development and sales and marketing activities from strategic locations in Michigan. During the meeting, the governor spoke with AISIN leaders about the opportunities Michigan offers for future investments by the company, including the state’s manufacturing prowess and culture of innovation.
“The governor has our back, and we have hers,” said Scott Turpin, president & CEO of Northville-based Aisin World Corp. of America. . “We’ve invested in Michigan for nearly 40 years and have experienced tremendous growth thanks to the positive business climate here. Our Sales and R&D operations in North America all take place in Michigan: Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Northville and Fowlerville. We’re close to our customers, close to some of the best universities in the country, and we’re right in the middle of the growing excitement as the auto industry evolves here in Michigan.”
According to a release from the Office of Governor Whitmer, the state of Michigan has a long and rich history with Japan, with more than 5,300 jobs being created in Michigan by Japanese businesses through more than $1.8 billion in private investment in the past 10 years. According to the Japanese Consulate in Detroit, there are currently 456 Japanese facilities in Michigan which support more than 39,890 jobs in the state. A third of those jobs are direct manufacturing positions.
