LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board has approved several projects aimed at fostering business growth, community development, and small business support across the state, collectively creating over 550 new jobs. These initiatives include significant expansions in robotics and defense manufacturing, a mixed-use development in Detroit, infrastructure improvements, and substantial funding for small business support and high-potential startups.
FANUC America Corporation, a global leader in robotics and automation, is set to expand its manufacturing operations in Pontiac, Oakland County. This expansion involves constructing an 840,000 square-foot facility, a $90 million capital investment, and the creation of at least 225 new jobs. The MSF Board approved a $1.575 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant for the project. Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America, said, "This investment will expand our engineering, advanced manufacturing, research and development, and logistics capabilities, helping us meet growing demand for automation solutions throughout the Americas while further strengthening domestic manufacturing."
In Macomb County, U.S.-based defense manufacturer SAPA Transmission Inc. will construct a new 200,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Shelby Township. This $163 million investment is projected to create at least 328 new jobs with starting wages of $28 per hour plus benefits. The MSF Board supported this with a $5 million MBDP performance-based grant and a 15-year, 50% State Essential Services Assessment Exemption. Darren Werner, President of SAPA Transmission, said, "Michigan has long been the Arsenal of Democracy, and today we are proud to be contributing to the next generation of defense manufacturing right here in Shelby Township."
Further supporting community development, the MSF Board approved a $1.5 million Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP) grant for the 1401 Gratiot project in Detroit’s Eastern Market district. This $12.56 million adaptive reuse project will transform five vacant parcels into 17 new apartments, with four designated as affordable housing, and 6,500 square feet of retail space. Developer Roger Basmajian said, "Thank you again for having the vision and recognizing worthy developments that save historic places, create residential density and jobs, and help our city and state be a better place to live and work."
Infrastructure improvements are also underway, with Erie Township in Monroe County receiving an $8.5 million Michigan Ready Sites grant. This funding will extend and enhance sanitary sewer service to the LAC site and adjacent properties, activating over 500 acres of potential industrial and commercial land. Mike Grodi, supervisor for Erie Township, said, "This Michigan Build Ready Sites grant is a transformative investment that positions Erie Township for long-term economic growth by delivering the critical infrastructure needed to unlock more than 500 acres of development-ready land."
Additionally, the MSF Board selected 11 organizations for the Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH 2.0) program, allocating nearly $11.3 million in state funding. These hubs will provide comprehensive resources to small businesses across Michigan's 10 prosperity regions and statewide. The Michigan Innovate Capital Fund (MICF) also received an additional $3 million, bringing its total to $36 million, with amended guidelines to include loans, offering greater flexibility for early-stage Michigan companies. Alison Todak, vice president of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the MEDC, said, "This support from the MSF Board expands access to capital and gives Michigan’s high-growth startups more flexible financing tools to meet critical needs as they scale."
This comprehensive package of approvals underscores Michigan's commitment to economic growth, job creation, and supporting a diverse range of businesses and communities across the state.