Michigan Launches MAST-P to Aid Small Manufacturers in Industry Shift

In a significant move aimed at bolstering Michigan’s small-scale automotive suppliers, the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) has been launched. This statewide initiative seeks to aid manufacturers within the internal combustion engine sector in transitioning toward promising opportunities in industries such as defense, aerospace, electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, and others.

MAST-P offers an array of services, including technical assistance, financial advice, and educational resources, all provided free of charge to eligible businesses through grant funding. The focus is on aiding businesses with fewer than 10 employees to modernize, diversify, and secure a sustainable future in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.

Announced in September 2024, the program spans three years and is funded by the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SSBCI SBOP). It is managed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for the Michigan Strategic Fund, providing over $9 million to support more than 500 suppliers in Michigan’s automotive network as they adapt to industry changes.

“Michigan’s automotive suppliers remain among the most innovative in the industry and all advanced manufacturing. As our suppliers navigate one of the most significant industry shifts in generations, the sector continues to grow more complex as federal policy, global events and technological advances change the landscape more rapidly,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., MEDC CEO. “MAST-P aims to remove barriers for very small manufacturers by providing expert support at no cost, ensuring these manufacturers can strengthen their capabilities, pursue new opportunities and remain essential parts of the mobility future, no matter how the sector evolves.”

Program’s Target Audience

The MAST-P program targets very small Michigan-based businesses and suppliers involved in the automotive supply chain, focusing on those who are:

• Shifting from solely producing ICE components to engaging in EV and clean energy production
• Exploring entry into adjacent manufacturing industries, such as advanced aerial mobility or defense
• Preparing for capital acquisition or business growth initiatives

Eligible businesses must be located in targeted Michigan regions like Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, and Kent counties, and demonstrate involvement or the intent to engage in automotive supply chain activities.

Benefits for Participating Companies

Accepted companies will gain access to free advisory services, business assessments, technical consulting, financial literacy support, and educational programming through a statewide network of partners. This model is crafted to enhance suppliers’ operational resilience, financial capabilities, and growth potential in emerging manufacturing markets.

The outreach for this transition program is spearheaded by Automation Alley and the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). Automation Alley promotes innovation and Industry 4.0 advances among manufacturers, while MMA serves as a key advocate and resource for Michigan’s manufacturing sector. Together, they will utilize their industry knowledge and networks to link automotive suppliers with essential resources for navigating industry transitions and future opportunities.

Application Process

Interested companies can find more details and access the comprehensive program platform at https://automationalley.com/mast-p/.

Voices from Partner Organizations

“Very small suppliers often face the greatest challenges during periods of industry change, yet they are critical to the strength of Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem,” said Tom Kelly, CEO of Automation Alley. “MAST-P is designed to meet companies where they are, providing a simple entry point and coordinated, no-cost support so they can focus on growing, adapting and competing in the next era of mobility.”

“MAST-P expands access to growth resources for very small and diverse suppliers, helping them strengthen business fundamentals, improve financial readiness and connect to new market opportunities within evolving mobility and manufacturing value chains,” said Bill Grice, VP and Executive Director of Growth Programming, Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).

“Through business assessments, resource identification and strategic growth planning, MAST-P provides very small suppliers with the insights and roadmap needed to make informed decisions as they navigate industry transformation and pursue diversification opportunities,” said Ashlee Breitner, Managing Director, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute.

“MAST-P delivers hands-on technical support that helps very small manufacturers improve operational performance, adopt new capabilities and build the process discipline required to compete in electric vehicle and emerging manufacturing markets,” said Robert Scipione, Manufacturing Services Manager, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC).

“Michigan’s manufacturers have shaped the backbone of America’s mobility industry—innovating, adapting and leading through every major industrial shift. MASTP builds on that legacy by equipping our smallest suppliers with the tools, expertise and forward-looking support they need to thrive in the next era of manufacturing,” said Delaney McKinley, Executive Vice President of Operations, Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA).

About MAST-P

The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) is a collaborative effort led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Automation Alley, Michigan Manufacturers Association, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, and the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute. The program aids very small Michigan suppliers in transitioning to new manufacturing opportunities, such as electric vehicle production, advanced aerial mobility, and defense, through coordinated technical assistance, financial guidance, and education.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0001 awarded to the Michigan Strategic Fund by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.