LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer secured a $63 million Battle Creek investment while on a business trip to Japan.
The Michigan Executive Office of the Governor says funding was acquired from DENSO, which owns a thermal manufacturing plant in the city.
We’re told the investment will allow the plant to readjust its production lines to support the manufacture of electric vehicles.
“We are excited to announce a $63 million investment in Battle Creek, building on DENSO’s footprint in Michigan and continuing our economic momentum,” says 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 more than 3,500 workers in their employment across Michigan. More than 2,100 of them are in Battle Creek.
“We are grateful for the Governor’s commitment to strengthening Michigan’s position as an advanced mobility leader,” says DENSO Senior Vice President Andy Clemence. “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.”
DENSO actively engages with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in efforts to boost talent in the transition to EVs, according to the state.
Rep. Jim Haadsma released the following statement:
“I want to take a moment to appreciate and thank Gov. Whitmer, Quentin Messer of MEDC, and Joe Sobieralski and Robert Corder of Battle Creek Unlimited for the work they did to bring this money home. Due to their work, Battle Creek is receiving this major investment for our manufacturing sector. This investment will not only benefit the people of Battle Creek by bringing in good-paying jobs, but it will also benefit the people of our state by furthering our investment in and commitment to the electrification of vehicles as we move into a cleaner future. Investments like these are what will keep Michigan at the beating heart of the automotive industry.”
READ MORE: Governor Whitmer seeks key investments during business trip to Japan
