Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced more than $220 million in new investments across Michigan, including support for 90 new housing units in Bay City and the creation of at least 800 jobs. The investments are linked to recent business missions by the governor to Japan and Germany.

“We are excited to announce 90 new affordable housing units and hundreds of millions in new investment that will create and support 800 jobs right here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan’s economy is open for business and on the move. We’re revitalizing our communities, investing in our workforce, and building affordable housing. I’ll continue going everywhere and competing with anyone to tell Michigan’s story and show more individuals, families, and businesses how they can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep growing our economy, unleashing our innovators, and making our state the best place to live, work, and play.”

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), added: “From private investments by international companies to supporting developments in local housing and infrastructure, the MEDC and MSF are committed to executing the state’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy attracting and developing People, cultivating and revitalizing Places, and competing for and winning Projects of all sizes. We continue to be grateful to have the legislatively appropriated funds to provide solutions for Michigan’s most-pressing barriers to growth and prosperity so that our 10 million+ friends, families, and future neighbors will have more reasons to realize their employment, entrepreneurial and housing dreams here in Michigan.”

In Bay City (Bay County), Riverview Apartments Bay City LLC plans a $22.2 million redevelopment project creating 90 residential units along with two storefronts. The project received approval for a $4.3 million loan from the Michigan Community Revitalization Program.

“We’re excited to expand downtown Bay City to the north and bring life back to land that has been vacant for so long,” said Rod Hildebrant, developer of Water Street Lofts. “The demand is clear—we already have strong interest from people eager to live in our vibrant downtown.”

City Manager Dana Muscott commented: “Bay City is committed to fostering growth that strengthens both our neighborhoods and our economy. This project represents a significant investment in our downtown, bringing new housing opportunities, retail space, and long-term vitality to our community. By transforming underutilized property into a modern mixed-use development we are building on Bay City’s momentum as a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

Matthew Meehan of The Times Properties added: “Our team is managing a growing waiting list of potential tenants which reflects how much people want to be part of this neighborhood. The new building’s classic design complements the historic architecture of downtown Bay City while offering modern living in a timeless setting.”

JR Automation—a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd.—received approval for a $1.6 million performance-based grant through the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) for its new global headquarters facility in Zeeland (Ottawa County). The company expects at least 150 jobs will be created with an investment exceeding $72 million over three years.

Amanda Murray from Lakeshore Advantage said: “JR Automation’s decision to invest in Zeeland for its new global headquarters and create 150 new high-quality jobs signals our region’s strength in smart manufacturing... From conservation easements to onsite renewable energy this project reflects the values of our community.”

Doug LaCroix from JR Automation stated: “This project is a powerful reflection of JR Automation’s journey from a small Michigan-based company to a global automation leader... We are appreciative of efforts by Hitachi Governor Whitmer MEDC MSF Lakeshore Advantage city of Zeeland & so many more who have made it possible.”

Astemo Americas Inc., another company visited by Governor Whitmer during her trip abroad, will invest $95 million on a regional headquarters complex in Wixom (Oakland County), expected to generate about 200 jobs over four years—more than 150 being engineering roles—with up to $2 million awarded via MBDP grants.

John Nunneley from Astemo said: “We are grateful...for supporting our vision that Astemo be part of an internationally recognized supply chain of innovation... Astemo Americas is eager...to get work started on this facility welcoming talent housed there.”

Oakland County Executive David Coulter remarked: “Expanding advanced manufacturing & mobility infrastructure is paying dividends...the networking we did on trade mission helped cement deal bringing Astemo Americas Inc., along with 375 jobs & $95m investment…”

American Rheinmetall also secured support via an MBDP grant valued at $7.52 million toward creating at least 450 jobs across Auburn Hills (Oakland County), Plymouth (Wayne County), Lapeer (Lapeer County), Lansing (Ingham County) through an investment totaling over $31 million.

Matt Warnick from American Rheinmetall commented: “This investment marks major milestone…long-term commitment…future U.S defense innovation…proud expand footprint tapping into world-class workforce deep industrial roots unwavering support Armed Forces…”

The MSF Board additionally approved Community Development Block Grant Water Related Infrastructure funding totaling $21.5 million distributed among twelve communities—including Albion Allegan Benton Township Big Rapids Evart Grayling Hartford Houghton Ironwood Olivet Village Baraga Village Hillman—for water system improvements benefiting low- or moderate-income areas.

Thirty-eight applications were submitted requesting nearly triple available funds; eligible projects include water lines/sewers/wastewater treatment plant upgrades with related road replacements.