News Summary

TORC Robotics and Pro Services are set to generate 750 new jobs in Michigan, supported by an $18 million investment. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced these initiatives, highlighting a new engineering center in Ann Arbor and an expansion in Kalamazoo County. The local EV sector is also progressing, with plans for over 3,000 additional jobs linked to factory developments. This economic boost aims to position Michigan at the forefront of innovation and job growth in technology and manufacturing.

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI – TORC Robotics Inc. and Pro Services have announced plans to create a total of 750 new jobs in Michigan, alongside a combined investment of $18 million.

On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer disclosed that the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) will support these economic development projects. Specifically, TORC Robotics will establish an engineering center in Ann Arbor Township, which is set to create 500 jobs with a minimum investment of $5.59 million. The anticipated average salary for these new positions is approximately $177,000 per year.

In addition to TORC’s engineering center, Pro Services, Inc. will expand its operations in Kalamazoo County. This expansion involves an investment of $12.4 million and aims to generate 250 jobs. The starting hourly wage for positions created by Pro Services is projected to be $28.07, aligning closely with the regional median wage.

These job creations come amid a backdrop of significant developments in Michigan’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, where two EV factories are expected to create over 3,000 new jobs, despite facing delays. Though ownership of these factories will change, with LG Energy Solution acquiring the facility originally partnered with General Motors (GM), the progress toward fulfilling job commitments remains on track. GM has recently transferred $120 million in state funding to facilitate this acquisition.

The factory in question, a 2.8 million square foot battery factory near Lansing, is now under the purview of LG Energy Solution. GM remains duly obligated to provide 1,840 jobs and an investment of $4 billion at its Orion Township facility as part of agreements tied to $600 million in state funding awarded in January 2022.

Notably, both GM and LG Energy Solution face increased obligations, with a need to produce 3,200 jobs linked to this financial aid. While regulatory changes and EV sales challenges have raised concerns regarding long-term viability, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has confirmed that both companies are making progress toward fulfilling their commitments.

The commitments are also reflective of the need for hiring that will support the anticipated launch of the Silverado EV project, with estimates suggesting an additional 1,000 employees will be needed by the end of 2026.

In an effort to reduce the risks of taxpayer fund clawbacks, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a separation of the two projects related to the EV factories. Meanwhile, further supporting local economic initiatives, the Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) announced a grant of $415,000 to three Michigan food companies, which are expected to create an additional 15 new jobs.

With the combined efforts of TORC Robotics and Pro Services, Michigan is poised for significant job growth and economic expansion, reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and workforce development in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and manufacturing.