Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce economic assistance for projects approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board today. One of the many projects announced includes the expansion of American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. (AAM) facility in Three Rivers.
“Today’s projects help us continue to jumpstart Michigan’s economy by creating hundreds of good-paying jobs, reinvigorating our hospitality industry, and supporting vibrant communities across Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Through today’s significant investments and initiatives, we are reminding the world that the ingenuity and innovation of Michigan’s people and businesses remain unmatched.”
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Detroit, AAM is a global Tier 1 supplier that designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that are making the next generation of vehicles smarter, lighter, safer, and more efficient for the auto industry. The company has 16 facilities in Michigan with more than 3,200 associates.
The company plans to invest at its facility in Three Rivers, a project that includes the total private investment of $38.6 million and the creation of 100 new jobs. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) today approved a five-year State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) Exemption valued at up to $468,888 for the company’s $40,608,000 eligible investment in eligible personal property in support of the project.
In addition, the city of Three Rivers was awarded $2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with adding necessary machinery and equipment at the project. At least 51% of the 100 positions will be filled by low to moderate-income persons. Michigan was chosen for the expansion over the company’s facility in Mexico.
“The city of Three Rivers is pleased to support AAM in their expansion. AAM has been an important part of our community for many years, and this project will help the company continue to grow and provide good jobs in our area,” said Joseph Bippus, Three Rivers City Manager.
“Southwest Michigan First is honored to work alongside American Axle, as well as our partners at the MEDC and City of Three Rivers, on this project,” said Carla Sones, president and interim CEO at Southwest Michigan First. “We thank AAM for its ongoing commitment to investing in our region, as well as its pledge to continue to create jobs for individuals of diverse backgrounds. The company’s decision to grow at its Three Rivers’ location exemplifies the innovation, access to skilled workers, geographical advantages, and ease of doing business in Southwest Michigan.”
“The projects approved by the MSF Board today underscore what is possible when you take a holistic, people-first approach to economic development,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., incoming CEO of MEDC and President of the MSF Board. “I look forward to working alongside the incredible team at MEDC and regional and local our partners across the state to continue demonstrating Michigan is a place where risk-takers, businesses, labor, communities, and people can succeed and grow. Creating more upward economic mobility is a team effort and I am grateful to the Michigan Strategic Fund board for working with us to make these projects happen.”
The project aligns with MEDC’s strategic plan by fostering high-wage job growth that will help Michigan remain at the forefront of the future automotive and advanced mobility industry.
For information on careers with AAM, visit https://careers.aam.com/us/en.
