RELEASE: Gov. Whitmer Announces 187 New Jobs w/ Two Business Expansions in Macomb, Oakland Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

March 14, 2024  

Gov. Whitmer Announces 187 New Jobs w/ Two Business Expansions in Macomb, Oakland Counties

The Paslin company announces expansions at their Pontiac, Shelby Twp. and Warren facilities, creating 100 new jobs
Quantum Fuel Systems announces first-ever Michigan facility in Wixom, creating 87 new jobs

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a Michigan-headquartered business expansion and a new-to-Michigan business investment in Macomb and Oakland counties, respectively, which are expected to generate nearly $35 million of capital investment and create 187 jobs, have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

“Today’s investments in Macomb and Oakland County will create 187 jobs and build on our leadership in advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am grateful to The Paslin Company and Quantum Fuel Systems for betting on Michigan. Together, we are bringing the supply chain, creating good-paying local jobs for Michiganders, and driving $35 million of investment into our communities.”

“We stand proud to support both Michigan-based companies as well as those that look to Michigan as the ideal place for them to expand their manufacturing operations,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “The investment by these companies in Michigan leverages the state’s talented workforce and convenient access to customers and suppliers. Team Michigan looks forward to seeing these investment announcements drive economic prosperity, diversity and equity across Michigan.”

The Paslin Company, a full-service provider of manufacturing assembly and automation systems for its automotive and non-automotive customers, is expanding in Pontiac, Shelby Township, and Warren, Michigan.

Paslin is experiencing continued growth and has several projects under consideration or under contract with its customers which require additional floorspace and facility upgrades to accommodate growth. The company is leasing additional floorspace in Pontiac and will add a total of 75 jobs in Pontiac and Shelby Township. It will also make building and equipment upgrades to its Warren facility, where it will add 25 jobs.

In total, the project is expected to generate a capital investment of $12.3 million and create 100 jobs with the support of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Mexico and the southern United States because of the ease of collaboration with its customer base as well as the partnership with the State of Michigan, further enhancing Michigan’s reputation for being a global leader in automotive manufacturing.

“Paslin is excited to continue its partnership with the state of Michigan as we continue to expand,” said Paslin CEO Joe Perkins. “We remain committed to the state as we further strive for additional growth opportunities. We value and appreciate the partnership with the state.”

Shelby Township and the cities of Pontiac and Warren have offered to support the project with job fairs and hiring initiatives. The company plans to work with Michigan Works! to secure local talent. Information on careers with Paslin can be found here.

“I’ve called Warren my home for nearly 40 years, and I’m always glad to see companies recognize the quality of our community and our people and choose to expand here,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “Paslin was founded in Warren in 1937 and is another Michigan success story, building on our automotive manufacturing heritage and expertise and continuing to grow and create jobs here at home while doing business around the globe.”

“It is welcomed news that Paslin in Shelby Township will be expanding. This means new jobs and continued economic support in our community,” said state Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), chair of the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee. “Michigan is home to the automotive capital of the world, and it has brought great opportunities to Michiganders. With today’s announcement, we can continue to support our robust automotive sector.”

“Bringing new jobs to Pontiac and neighboring communities is music to my ears! Pontiac is a central hub continuing to lead innovation for the auto manufacturing industry,” said state Representative Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac). “This multimillion-dollar expansion brings a sizable investment back into the community and 100 new jobs to the area. This is exactly why I fight so hard in Lansing for economic development — to help secure the good-paying jobs my constituents need and deserve.”

“The city of Warren is proud to be the birthplace and home to Paslin, and we look forward to their newest expansion,” said Warren Mayor Lori M. Stone.

“The work that Paslin does undergirds much of the advanced manufacturing in the auto industry, and we are proud of Paslin’s presence in Pontiac,” said Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel. “We are thrilled about the company’s expansion and the addition of 50 new jobs in our community.”

Quantum Fuel Systems LLC, a manufacturer of alternative fuel storage systems headquartered in California, is establishing a manufacturing facility in the City of Wixom.

The company services OEMs in the automotive and mobility industries and provides low emission and fast-to-market solutions to support the integration and production of natural gas fuel and storage systems. The company currently does not have operations in Michigan.

“Quantum Fuel Systems is enthusiastic to work with the MEDC and other government authorities to further the commercialization of clean energy transportation,” said Quantum CEO Dean Varley. “Being located in Wixom, we will have close proximity to many of our global automotive customers.”

Quantum plans to establish a new manufacturing facility that will produce lightweight compressed natural gas storage tanks. The company is experiencing rapid growth, and this new site will allow it to increase production to secure additional business with companies in the mobility and automotive sectors.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $22.5 million and create 87 jobs with the support of an $870,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Tennessee due to the strong automotive and mobility presence in the state.

The company provides extensive training and development to its employees and supports cross training and personal growth. It also plans to utilize Michigan Works! to attract, manage and retain talent.

The City of Wixom has committed to recommend a Public Act 198 Industrial Facilities tax abatement in support of the project, subject to review and approval by the Wixom City Council.

“We are thrilled to welcome Quantum Fuels Systems to Wixom, and appreciate their commitment to our community,” said Assistant City Manager and Director of Economic Development Drew Benson. “Wixom has a long history as a home to innovative companies in the mobility space, and we look forward to supporting Quantum Fuel Systems and their unique technology solutions in the future.”

Information on careers with Quantum Fuel Systems can be found here.

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