FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 22, 2026 

Contact: [email protected] 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Oerlikon Continued Investment in Michigan to Expand Manufacturing Capacity and Presence in State 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that OC Oerlikon, a global innovation leader in surface technologies and advanced materials, intends to expand their operations in Michigan to meet growing customer demand.  

“Michigan has always been home to cutting-edge research and innovation that drives our state forward and grows our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement sends a strong message that Michigan is the right place to grow manufacturing that supports our national defense and creates good-paying jobs. Thanks to Oerlikon’s partnership, we’re showing what’s possible when we build on our strengths in engineering, innovation, and skilled talent. I’ll keep working with anyone and competing every day to bring advanced industries to Michigan. Let’s get it done.” 

The announcement coincides with Governor Whitmer’s visit to Oerlikon, underscoring Michigan’s strong presence globally and continued leadership and in advanced manufacturing, defense, and high-tech materials production.  

Oerlikon’s existing Plymouth facility specializes in the production of advanced powders and coating technologies used in critical defense and aerospace applications, including turbine engines and other high-performance systems essential to national security.  

Headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with approximately 9,500 employees worldwide. The company serves customers across aerospace and defense, energy, automotive, and additive manufacturing by improving performance, efficiency, and sustainability through advanced materials and surface technologies. 

“Oerlikon’s Michigan operations are a cornerstone of our North American strategy,” said Michael Suess, Executive Chairman of Oerlikon. “Our ongoing commitment to Michigan builds on the major investment we made in 2017 and we continue to strengthen our advanced materials capabilities to serve high-growth industries. We are also assessing further expansion in the region to meet future customer needs.” 

Michigan has long played a strategic role in Oerlikon’s North American operations. The company established its operations in Troy, then expanding to its advanced materials and R&D center in Plymouth in 2018, consolidating and expanding operations while retaining and growing high-skilled jobs in the state. Today, Oerlikon employs nearly 300 people across multiple Michigan locations, with average compensation and benefits approaching $100,000 annually. 

“Oerlikon’s long-standing commitment to Michigan reflects the state’s strength as a hub for advanced manufacturing and defense innovation,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “We are honored by Oerlikon’s continued voice of confidence in our state. Michigan offers companies the talent, infrastructure, and global connectivity needed to aggressively scale sophisticated technologies. Given a world full of options, we’re proud Oerlikon continues to grow and ‘Make It’ in Michigan.” 

Any potential state support for Oerlikon’s investment would be subject to review by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.  

Oerlikon’s planned investment highlights the importance of Michigan’s international relationships and the state’s ability to attract global companies seeking a stable, innovative environment for advanced manufacturing. As global demand for defense and energy technologies grows, Michigan remains committed to supporting projects that drive long-term economic growth, strengthen supply chains, and create high-quality jobs for Michiganders. 

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