Capitol News

The Michigan State University Industrial Training Assessment Center and the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute have been awarded $500,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy to launch the Michigan Automotive Supply Chain Technical Assistance Program. This two-year initiative aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturers in Michigan’s automotive sector transition to electric vehicle components and diversify their product lines.

Managed by ENERGYWERX in partnership with DOE, this collaboration is facilitated through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE's Office of Technology Transitions. The agreement allows ENERGYWERX to expand DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, promoting the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of clean energy solutions. The funding supports a program that will test and develop a comprehensive playbook with manufacturers and business leaders. This initiative focuses on deploying a detailed guide designed to offer technical, financial, and strategic support.

Developed with insights from Argonne National Laboratory and private sector experts, the playbook will guide manufacturers in key areas such as identifying opportunities to diversify or convert existing product lines, understanding workforce and financing considerations for transitioning to EV components, and implementing practical action plans tailored to each company’s specific capabilities and market opportunities.

EGI and MSU ITAC will use the playbook alongside their programming supporting small manufacturers. These engagements will identify priorities and resources to address each business's specific needs.

The teams will test and refine the playbook using insights from participants and other key stakeholders. Real-time feedback will be gathered through ongoing roundtables, ensuring that expertise from various domains — including production, engineering, marketing, finance, and senior leadership — contributes to the playbook’s continuous improvement. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the resource remains practical and effective.

Key facilities such as MSU’s Composite Vehicle Research Center and U-M’s Battery Lab will support the program’s technical aspects. U-M’s Electric Vehicle Center will offer targeted training modules and professional development to prepare the workforce for new technological demands.

“Thanks to this grant, these businesses will now have a vital tool that offers critical EV transition information to help them embrace the future of electrification,” said Annick Anctil, assistant director of MSU ITAC.

EGI Executive Director Steve Wilson added: “The aim is to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in automotive innovation by providing essential support during this transformative period while testing a comprehensive playbook.”

The program targets small- and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the region with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities. By offering immediate resources to an initial cohort of companies while building capacity for future participants, it aims to establish a thoroughly tested playbook supporting Michigan's commitment to manufacturing innovation.

“We’re very proud here at MSU Mobility,” said Judd Herzer, director of MSU Mobility. “‘Making things in Michigan’ is at the heart of our state’s prosperity.”

For more information contact:

Michigan State University Industrial Training Assessment Center

University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute