(LANSING, Mich., Aug. 22, 2023) Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a range of projects underscoring the state’s dedication to advancing Michigan’s leadership in future mobility and green energy while supporting projects that create places for talent and visitors alike to enjoy and build a future.

“We are strengthening Michigan’s economy by bringing good-paying jobs to Michigan residents, expanding on our leadership in mobility and sustainability, creating vibrant communities, and growing economic opportunity for all Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring good-paying, high-skill jobs home so everyone, in any community, can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will continue sending a clear message that Michigan is open for business and building on our momentum.”

Among the projects is Plastic Omnium, a worldwide leader in fuel systems bumpers, fascias, and integrated front-end modules. The company employs approximately 1,000 Michigan residents at its facilities in Adrian, Huron, and metro Detroit. As a leader in hydrogen technology, Plastic Omnium plans to achieve revenue generation of more than $3 billion by 2030.

Plastic Omnium New Energies, a subsidiary of Plastic Omnium, has been awarded a large customer contract from a leading OEM and plans to begin designing, developing, and producing hydrogen storage systems for medium- and heavy-duty zero emissions mobility.

The company plans to lease a facility in Grand Blanc Township, where it will establish what is projected to be the largest hydrogen storage manufacturing plant in North America. At a second, yet-to-be-determined location in Michigan, the company will establish a state-of-the-art testing and validation lab to support key aspects of the product’s safety systems.

“We are excited to welcome Plastic Omnium to Genesee County and are honored to have had supported this project,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “Their decision to invest in our region underscores the strength of our local workforce, strategic location, and supportive business environment. It also builds upon other recent wins that boost Grand Blanc Township and Genesee County’s position in the high-tech manufacturing space.”

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $171.2 million and create 175 jobs with the support of a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in Indiana, Ohio and Canada because of its relationships with existing Tier 1 suppliers, proximity to its other Michigan operations and strong community support during the site selection process.

“This investment in the largest hydrogen storage manufacturing plant in the U.S. is a testament to the strong relationship we have had over the years with Michigan,” said Plastic Omnium New Energies USA Managing Director Alexandra Charnelet. “We are excited to make Plastic Omnium and the state of Michigan the cornerstone of zero carbon commercial mobility.”

Governor Whitmer met with executives from the company during her visit to France in June and made the case that with its attractive business climate, talented workforce, and focus on clean hydrogen development, Michigan was the smart location for a global company to establish operations and create high-tech manufacturing jobs.

Plastic Omnium is integral in the community, striving to help make southeast Michigan a better place by working with programs like Focus: HOPE, Greening of Detroit. Additionally, they sponsor a leading First Robotics team, which trains future engineers and technicians to work in a mechatronic environment. The company also offers internships and co-op programs through relationships with local universities and is committed to working with community colleges to develop skilled labor positions. Plastic Omnium is fully committed to working with Grand Blanc and the greater Genesee County region to help improve the quality of life for its citizens.

“Grand Blanc Township looks forward to Plastic Omnium coming to our community, bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs and building the factory of the future in Genesee County,” said Scott Bennett, Grand Blanc Township Supervisor. “We have challenged ourselves to create a development-ready process that makes it easy to do business here and, combined with state and local incentives and a talented employee pool, it is easy to see why we attract state-of-the-art manufacturers like Plastic Omnium.”

The project builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification as well as the state’s focus on clean hydrogen development. The project will bring immediate job growth with a large and expanding auto supplier and will further solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state.

The project also helps to meet goals laid out in Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. Announced in April 2022, the plan is a roadmap for Michigan to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050 with interim 2030 goals. The MI Healthy Climate Plan proposes climate action that would create tens of thousands of clean-energy jobs, spur economic development and innovation, protect clean air and water, and improve public health.

“Hydrogen offers exciting possibilities for automotive’s clean energy future and Plastic Omnium New Energies is poised to help move the heavy truck segment forward through next-generation hydrogen technology,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “We were proud to assist our state and local partners in securing this important project and keeping our region and state at the forefront of mobility innovation.”