Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced two projects expected to total more than $16 million in capital investment and create at least 110 jobs in Oakland County near Detroit.
The first development, from Horse Powertrain USA Inc., opened a North American headquarters in Southfield. Meanwhile, AirBoss Defense Group (ADG), will invest nearly $15 million to create a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Center for Excellence in Auburn Hills.
Horse Powertrain USA is the American subsidiary of UK-based Horse Powertrain Ltd., which employs 19,000 people worldwide.
The company expects its Southfield facility to create at least 32 jobs. The site will also include 7,000 to 8,000 square feet of spaces to serve as a management hub for R&D, purchasing, sales, marketing, government affairs and finance.
“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,” Horse Powertrain USA President Thomas Lewis said.
The $1 million project is being supported by a $260,000 Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant. Horse Powertrain also considered facilities in Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.
ADG's project looks to address the growing global demand for advanced personal protection technologies and multi-threat protection systems.
The company anticipates the project will create up to 78 jobs over five years, including managerial, technical and low-barrier entry-level positions. Approximately 40 of the jobs will be represented by the Local 690L chapter of United Steelworkers.
ADG considered alternative investments, including maintaining operations in Maryland, but chose Auburn Hills for its advanced manufacturing capabilities and established industrial and engineering ecosystem. The company expects the proposed facility to integrate production, research and development and executive operations, serving as a hub for next-generation respiratory protection and protective clothing solutions.
“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,” AirBoss Defense Group, LLC President John Johns said.
Headquartered in Michigan, ADG provides survivability solutions for military personnel, first responders and healthcare workers worldwide. Its parent company, Ontario-based AirBoss of America Corp., leverages a vertically integrated model through multiple businesses. The divisions serve defense, automotive, emergency response, industrial and healthcare markets.
The project received a $300,000 MBDP performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
