Michigan’s Strategic Push in Manufacturing and Clean Energy Garners National Attention
In a testament to its strategic initiatives in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, Michigan has been honored with a Silver Shovel Award by Area Development. This recognition highlights the state’s remarkable success in job creation and capital investment through its “Make It in Michigan” strategy.
For the 16th time since 2006, Michigan has received a Silver Shovel, awarded by Area Development in its 20th Annual Shovel Awards. These awards are granted to states demonstrating exceptional achievements in economic development, particularly in creating new jobs and attracting company investments. The Silver Shovel was secured through Michigan’s execution of 12 significant projects under its economic development agenda.
Among the celebrated projects is Corning Inc.’s manufacturing facility in Richland Township, Saginaw County. Initially planning an investment of up to $900 million to create over 1,100 jobs, Corning Inc. later increased its investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 more advanced manufacturing jobs. This facility, expected to employ a total of 1,500 people, will produce U.S.-made solar components to address the rising demand for solar power, a need highlighted by the International Energy Agency’s report of a record 50 GW solar capacity addition in the U.S. in 2024.
The latest Silver Shovel Award is proof that Team Michigan’s commitment to executing the ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects is delivering results across the state through transformational investments. While work remains, this recognition fuels our relentless resolve to illustrate the impact of every investment, each vote of confidence, regardless of size, in our state. As this and other projects demonstrate, there is promising commercial value in a clean energy future for all Michiganders.
“We are grateful for the strong leadership, collaboration and support from Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature and the State of Michigan,” stated Scott Forester, Corning division vice president and program executive, Solar, upon the project’s announcement. He emphasized that the incentives approved by the state were pivotal in selecting Michigan for this venture, which aims to create thousands of local jobs and enhance renewable energy accessibility.
Other significant investments contributing to Michigan’s Silver Shovel Award include initiatives by Dow, Inc., Gentex Corporation, Howmet Aerospace, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), and others, all contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Michigan’s Commitment to Clean Energy
Michigan’s leadership in clean energy is further evidenced by its notable ranking in the 2024 Clean Jobs America Report. With 127,690 clean energy jobs, Michigan’s job growth rate in this sector is nearly double that of the broader economy, positioning it just behind Texas and California for overall energy sector job growth.
Recent facility openings by LuxWall and UL Solutions in August 2024 showcase Michigan’s strategy to foster high-tech clean energy ventures. These facilities in Litchfield and Auburn Hills are set to drive advancements in energy-efficient glass and battery testing, respectively.
The state’s collaborative efforts with MIT Technology Review Insights in a survey demonstrated that many U.S. executives are considering Michigan’s climate-planning resources and natural assets when making business relocation decisions.
With the support of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, Michigan continues to solidify its reputation as a favorable environment for clean energy investments, leveraging its resources and policies to attract sustainable business ventures.
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