50 New Jobs in Key Defense and Aerospace Industries Created in Oakland County

Barron Industries, Inc. expanding Industry 4.0 capabilities in critical defense and aerospace industries in Oxford

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Barron Industries will be investing in their facility in Oxford to help advance Michigan’s position as a high-tech hub for defense and aerospace industries. The investment will create 50 new, high-tech and innovative jobs through a $9.1 million in capital.

“Today’s investment announcement in the key industry of defense and aerospace further cements Michigan as the ideal place for advanced manufacturing companies to invest and leverage the state’s talented workforce. This project will bring more than $9 million of capital investment to the state and create 50 new jobs for Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “We remain laser-focused on making sure that companies across all industry sectors understand why Making it in Michigan is the right choice.”

Barron Industries, Inc. is a family-owned producer of advanced metal castings for major manufacturers in the defense and aerospace industry who recently celebrated their 100^th anniversary in the Oxford community. The company seeks to acquire new advanced metal 3D printing and machining equipment. To accommodate this new equipment, the company is building a new Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Center with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF).

“Team Michigan is excited to announce Barron Industry Inc’s. investments in a key sector in Michigan’s economic landscape,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “Commitments from companies like Barron truly exemplify why Michigan is the ideal choice for companies looking to bring advance manufacturing to market.”

The expansion is anticipated to generate $9.1 million in capital investment and create 50 new jobs with an average wage of $32 per hour plus benefits, which is above regional median wage of $23.26 per hour. To support this expansion in Oakland County, the MSF has awarded the company a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

"This project marks a significant milestone for Barron Industries and Oxford Township, showcasing the power of collaboration between local government and businesses,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “As we celebrate their expansion into an advanced aerospace manufacturing center, we recognize Barron's century-long commitment to excellence and innovation. Their continued contributions to Oakland County, both economically and through community engagement, exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurial success we champion."

Michigan’s defense and aerospace ecosystems continue to be a key industry in the state, with nearly 4,000 businesses that serve the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries and over 690 Michigan businesses contribute to the aerospace industry. The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs.

“Barron Industries is an asset to our Township, our County and our State. It’s the type of company that every community dreams of having. Its products are of the highest quality,” said Jack Curtis, Supervisor, Charter Township of Oxford. “Its ideas and services are innovative. The owners treat their employees like family and give generously to our community. It’s a company that truly cares. What more could you ask for?”

“We appreciate MEDC’s support of Barron Industries in our next stage of growth and expansion in Oxford to open our Aerospace and Defense Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center,” said Bruce M. Barron, President/CEO of Barron Industries, Inc. “This support provides crucial funding for building and equipment early on in the launch while Barron aggressively onboards and trains the high-level technicians needed to staff the new facility.”

Find more information on starting a career with Barron Industries here.

 

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.