Gov. Whitmer Announces 450 New Jobs in Michigan, Visits Rheinmetall AG in Germany to Bring Jobs Back Home

MUNICH, Germany - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined American Rheinmetall in announcing their latest $31.7 million investment in Michigan, creating 450 new jobs. The governor was with leaders of American Rheinmetall and Rheinmetall AG at the company's proving ground in Germany to tour their facility and learn more about how Michigan can support their continued growth through R&D back in state.

"We are excited to announce a $31.7 million investment by American Rheinmetall in Michigan that will build on the state's leadership in the defense industry and grow this leading company's footprint in our state," said Governor Whitmer. "This investment mission has helped us continue our work to bring good-paying jobs and investments back home to Michigan from around the world. We will continue going everywhere and competing with anyone to tell Michigan's story and show more businesses how they can 'make it' in Michigan. We've been named a top ten state for doing business for the third year in a row, and announcements like today's strengthen our position as an international leader in defense and R&D. Let's keep showing up and winning for Michigan."

"Michigan continues to be an exceptional partner for American Rheinmetall as we grow our U.S. footprint to support critical defense programs and the needs of our customers in both the defense and agriculture markets," said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. "This new investment in Michigan represents a significant step forward in expanding our advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities across our facilities, while creating high-quality jobs for Michiganders. We're proud to deepen our roots here in Michigan and grateful for the strong support from Governor Whitmer, the MEDC, and local leaders who help make this kind of growth possible."

American Rheinmetall, headquartered in Sterling Heights, MI, specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced tracked and wheeled military vehicles and subsystems as well as components for both defense and commercial markets. The company plays a vital role in U.S. military modernization efforts, notably through its participation as one of two competitors in the U.S. Army's XM30 combat vehicle program, which aims to replace the M2 Bradley. In 2024, American Rheinmetall expanded its capabilities by acquiring Loc Performance Products, a Michigan-based manufacturer of military vehicle components and rubber track products, further solidifying its position in the U.S.

The Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies includes American Rheinmetall in Biddeford, ME, Lansing, MI, Lapeer, MI, Plymouth, MI, Sterling Heights, MI (HQ), St. Marys, OH, and Troy, MI, American Rheinmetall Munitions in Camden, AR, Vienna, VA (HQ), Windham, ME, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Vienna, VA.

Rheinmetall is dedicated to supporting the expansion of its facilities across North America, with its Michigan business being selected as a key partner in this growth strategy. As part of this investment, American Rheinmetall is standing up a new headquarters facility in Auburn Hills where it will consolidate its current Troy and Sterling Heights operations and significantly expand engineering, prototyping, and technical capabilities to support new U.S. Department of Defense contracts. This investment will also drive production growth at the company's facilities in Plymouth, Lapeer, and Lansing, as new products are developed and contracts are awarded, creating opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor.

"Team Michigan is proud to bring home this win and continue Michigan's historic role as a leader in the defense industry," said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. "We are grateful for American Rheinmetall's continued investment in Michigan and its commitment to growing in our state. As we celebrate today's announcement, the MEDC - on behalf of Team Michigan - remains focused on ensuring global companies like Rheinmetall have the support required to 'Make It in Michigan,' which benefits Michiganders across both peninsulas."

As part of this $31.7 million investment, American Rheinmetall will contribute to workforce development by creating 450 new jobs across its Michigan facilities with highly competitive starting wages and benefits that are above the regional median wage.

Michigan competed with eight other states to secure this project, with site selection and workforce availability being central factors in American Rheinmetall's decision.

"The investment by American Rheinmetall represents a tremendous vote of confidence in Auburn Hills," said Brian Marzolf, Mayor, City of Auburn Hills. "Their decision to locate here not only brings advanced technology and high-quality jobs to our City, but also reinforces Auburn Hills' standing as a premier destination for global innovation and manufacturing. We are honored they have chosen Auburn Hills for this strategic investment and we wish them all the best."

"Working together to increase the footprint of advanced manufacturing in the defense industry translates into stronger economies for the region and the state. We are grateful for the partnership with the state of Michigan, the Detroit Regional Partnership and the newly formed Detroit Regional Defense Coalition that is helping to bring American Rheinmetall Vehicles' consolidated headquarters to Auburn Hills," said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. "This collaboration contributed to Rheinmetall making the decision to choose Michigan over eight other states for the investment that will bring 450 new, good-paying jobs to the state. Welcome home to the Rheinmetall family!"

This latest defense industry investment further reinforces Michigan's proud legacy as the "Arsenal of Democracy" and the state's global leadership in advanced manufacturing and transportation.

By the Numbers: Michigan's Defense and Aerospace Industry

• Michigan's defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity

• There are more than 166,000 jobs in the defense and aerospace industry

• Nearly 4,000 Michigan companies are engaged in defense and aerospace work.

• Michigan has the highest concentration of electrical and mechanical engineers in the nation.

• University of Michigan boasts the No. 4 ranked graduate aerospace engineering program in the country. 

• Michigan ranks in the top 10 states in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness.

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 https://www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at https://www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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