Governor approves performance-based grants for EV maker, food processor, and construction tech firm
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved $7.56 million in state grants Tuesday for three business development projects across Southeast Michigan. The investments are projected to create 650 new jobs and more than $97 million in private capital investment.
The grants come through the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP), a state tool that provides performance-based incentives to companies creating qualified new jobs and making new investments in Michigan.
"Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in industries like agribusiness and advanced manufacturing," said Governor Whitmer. "Today's announcement will create 650 good-paying jobs and cement Michigan as the best place to build the future."
Here is a breakdown of the three approved projects and what they mean for the region.
Slate Auto expands Troy headquarters with $5 million grant
Slate Auto, an electric vehicle manufacturer, received a $5 million MBDP performance-based grant to expand its North American headquarters in Troy, Oakland County. The company plans a $10.4 million capital investment that will create at least 392 qualified new jobs over the next five years.
The positions include corporate, engineering, and design roles. Slate currently employs 325 people in Michigan since it began operations in 2022. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Sterling Heights and its headquarters in Troy.
Slate has received more than 150,000 reservations for its affordable electric pickup truck. The company anticipates deliveries in late 2026 with higher-volume production beginning in 2027.
"We thank Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for supporting Slate's growth in Michigan and acknowledging the importance of developing and producing affordable vehicles," said Slate CEO Peter Faricy. "Slate will benefit from the impressive talent pool and innovative ecosystem that has long been a tradition in the state of Michigan."
Oakland County Executive David Coulter said the expansion reinforces the region's role as a center for mobility and advanced technology.
Alquist 3D brings robotic construction tech to Detroit
Alquist 3D LLC, a Colorado-based company specializing in robotic 3D concrete printing, received a $1.6 million MBDP performance-based grant to establish a new manufacturing and research-and-development facility in Detroit, Wayne County. The project will create 162 new jobs.
The Detroit facility marks Alquist 3D's entry into Michigan. The company uses automated robotic systems to print concrete structures, a technology that has drawn attention for its potential to address housing shortages and reduce construction costs.
The Wayne County location places the project in the same metropolitan area as Dearborn, connecting it to the region's broader advanced manufacturing and engineering workforce.
Fenton Food and Beverage invests $56.2 million in Genesee County
Fenton Food and Beverage LLC received a $960,000 MBDP performance-based grant along with a five-year, 50% Alternative State Essential Services Agreement (SESA) Exemption valued at up to $168,000. The company plans to invest up to $56.2 million in Fenton, Genesee County.
The project will create at least 96 new jobs with an average anticipated wage of $33.32 per hour plus benefits. All positions will pay above the $21.58 regional median wage.
The facility is owned by Yahya Abbas of YaYa Foods Corp., a Canadian food and beverage manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience in plant-based milk alternatives. YaYa Foods is the second-largest manufacturer in North America in that category.
The Fenton facility is expected to be the first in North America to use a new technology that extracts milk from nuts using water rather than making milk from paste.
"Michigan stood out early in our site selection process, and Fenton offered the right combination of access, workforce and partnership," said Yahya Abbas, CEO of Fenton Foods. "We're excited to move forward and build a strong long-term operation here."
Michigan was one of six states considered for the project. Company officials cited the skilled workforce and connectivity through Detroit Metro Airport as key factors in selecting Michigan.
What the grants mean for Michigan's economy
Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and MSF Board Chair, said the approved projects reflect the state's leadership in manufacturing, agribusiness, and electric vehicles.
"Today's approved projects not only indicate a vote of confidence in the Michigan location advantage but also reflect the strengths of Michigan's industries and our leadership in key areas, from manufacturing and agribusiness to EVs," said Messer.
The MBDP grants are performance-based. Companies must meet job creation and investment benchmarks to receive the full incentive amount. The program is funded through the Michigan Strategic Fund, which receives appropriations from the state legislature.
The three projects span three counties and three industries. They add to a broader pattern of state economic development activity in Southeast Michigan, where the automotive sector continues to transition toward electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing.