AM General, a manufacturer of military, commercial and consumer vehicles, recently received a $1.4 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund to support a $9.5 million capital investment, and the creation of 55 new jobs in Auburn Hills.
The company previously considered moving its operations from its current site in Livonia, Michigan to a location closer to its corporate headquarters and proving grounds in South Bend, Indiana.
“Proximity to the U.S. automotive research hub, a range of engineering and design talent, along with a network of manufacturers and auto suppliers closed the deal and proves there’s no better place for a commercial and defense vehicle manufacturer than Michigan,” Steve Arwood, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), said.
The move comes in response to a “Protect and Grow” initiative from Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) and the Michigan Defense Center, which aligns the state’s existing defense industry infrastructure and resources with Department of Defense needs.
“Throughout our evaluation process, it was critical for us to find a location that supported our unique needs, gave us great access to both defense and commercial customers, as well as continued access to a talented workforce to meet our future growth needs,” AM General President and CEO Andy Hove said.
The company recently took part in an “innovative vehicle solutions” showcase at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, demonstrating its multi-purpose truck for extreme environment needs for the energy, mining, industrial and government industries.