Michigan is recognized as the engineering and design center, or the "brains," of the worldwide auto industry. That is why the world's most innovative corporations, including every major vehicle-related manufacturer and supplier, have established tech centers here--more than anywhere else in North America. Meanwhile, as auto production continues to contract, the state’s economy is making the transition to a more diversified and resilient industrial base. Companies are finding opportunity in the production of everything from medical devices to military hardware and increasingly alternative energy technologies. With nearly 15,000 manufacturing establishments in the state, Michigan's high-quality engineering and skilled manufacturing continue to attract employers in emerging 21st Century industries.

We look forward to developing a partnership with your company to make Michigan your next business address. We believe the combination of our competitive business climate, outstanding workforce, local support and available incentives will give your company the Upper Hand.

Research & Development (R&D) Strengths at a Glance

Michigan's advanced manufacturing strengths include:

• #1 state for vehicle-related R&D - spending $11.8 billion annually
• #4 in the nation in research intensity (ratio of expenditures to gross state product)
• #4 in the nation for engineering graduates
• Industrial and research assets at 360 research sites focused on industrial technology
• Home to 47 of the top 50 global automotive suppliers

Advanced Manufacturing Resources / Partners

One result of Michigan's rich automotive manufacturing heritage is the wide array of supporting organizations providing resources to the advanced manufacturing industry. Partners help link together all the components needed to build a strong and vibrant future for Michigan's automotive companies.

A selection of available Michigan advanced manufacturing resources:

• View the Automotive R&D Directory
• SmartZones^SM and Business Accelerators help companies incubate and commercialize products by using resources in these technology clusters.
• The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is involved in the research of significant issues that relate to the future direction of the global automotive industry. Click here to access CAR publications.
• The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center works with manufacturing businesses to ensure peak performance.
• NextEnergy works with colleges and engineers in developing alternative energy curriculums to foster growth in this sector.
• The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center^SM network provides a full range of services to assist emerging and growing advanced manufacturing & technology companies, including assistance in the areas of IP protection, alternative financing, management team planning and commercialization strategies.
• The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) is a federal research facility that runs cooperative projects and consortia located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• The New Enterprise Forum is an entrepreneur's link to resources.
• Small Business Association of Michigan helps with small business issues.
• The University Research Corridor is an alliance of Michigan’s three leading research institutions: Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
• The University of Michigan's Engineering Research Center for Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems is charged with developing the science base for a new generation of advanced manufacturing systems, made up of CNC machines, machine tools, modular controls, robots, and lasers, that can be quickly designed, upgraded or reconfigured to provide the precise production capacity needed to meet market demands.
• The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business helps with business and strategic planning.
• Michigan Universities Commercialization Initiative (MUCI) complements and enhances technology transfer functions available at Michigan academic and research institutions to promote their inventions.
• The U.S. Automotive Partnership for Advancing Research and Technologies (USAutoPARTs), a partnership between automotive suppliers, the DOE through Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the state of Michigan for pre-competitive research in advanced, lightweight materials, emissions control, and energy efficient vehicles.
• Dearborn is home to the new Connected Vehicle Proving Center (CVPC).  CVPC’s long-term goal is centralized data processing, evaluation, and training for those developing wireless-enabled roads, proving grounds, test tracks, independent test laboratories, and traffic management centers.  The CVPC also provides support services, including engineering expertise, evaluation research, prototype testing, training, and an intellectual property holding area.  
• Ann Arbor is home to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL). The NVFEL lab provides emissions testing services for motor vehicle, heavy-duty engine, and non-road engine programs.  The lab also assists in the development of automotive technology to reduce conventional pollutants and greenhouse

Next steps

Get more information about Michigan’s Manufacturing Diversification Strategy. 

If you are ready to learn more about getting connected to a R&D world in constant forward motion in Michigan, contact our Customer Assistance Center.

Also, take a look at how the 21st Century Jobs Fund program is building capacity in Michigan's advanced manufacturing market space.