After Ford announced their $1.5 billion investment into key plants in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is backing Ford by announcing her support for the automaker.
“This is great news for Michigan auto workers, their families, and our economy as a whole,” Whitmer said. “I’m glad Ford recognizes that Michigan is home to some of the most innovative, hardworking people in the world, and has opened up opportunities for 3,000 new good-paying jobs in our state. Today’s announcement proves that in Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels, we’re ready to build, test, and deploy the cars of the future. Let’s get to work.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund was a key player in Ford being able to invest an excess of funds into so many areas. Today, they approved:
- 100-percent Good Jobs for Michigan withholding tax capture for up to 10 years capped at up to $26 million;
- A 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) exemption for up to 15 years valued at up to $6.1 million for the MAP facility;
- A 100-percent SESA Exemption for up to 15 years valued at up to $3.185 million for the DTP facility.
Altogether, this will create over 3,000 new jobs for Michiganders over the next three years. Ford has also been steadfast in creating autonomous and electric vehicles, a move that will be facilitated through the creation of a new facility. Ford President Joe Hinrichs is elated about Ford’s recent success in the auto market. “Ford is proud to be America’s number one producer of vehicles and the largest employer of UAW-represented autoworkers,” Hinrichs said. “We appreciate the strong support from the State of Michigan and our local government partners as we continue to invest in our operations and people in Michigan.”
Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Jeff Mason believes that Ford’s recent actions will be widespread throughout the state of Michigan. “This is a project that will provide substantial opportunities to Tier 1 suppliers, the Tier 1 supply base, and communities around the state, and will lead to further growth in our automotive and manufacturing sector throughout Michigan,” Mason said.
All potential Ford opportunities will be available through Michigan Works! and the Michigan Workforce Development Agency. This move will create sustainable opportunities for everyone. “Today’s announcement not only expands jobs in Michigan, but it also helps to illustrate how collaboration between workforce and economic development creates pathways to good-paying jobs,” said Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For more information, visit MichiganBusiness.org.
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