# Michigan Announces Automotive Industry Investments

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two major automotive industry investments in Oakland County on September 9, 2026, totaling over $16 million and creating 110 new jobs. AirBoss Defense Group is investing approximately $15 million to establish a CBRN Center for Excellence in Auburn Hills, integrating production, research and development, and executive operations, which will create 78 jobs. Horse Powertrain USA is opening its North American operations center in Southfield with an investment of over $1 million, creating 32 jobs and housing R&D, purchasing, sales, marketing, government affairs, and finance functions.

- These investments underscore Michigan's strategic focus on advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation, signaling opportunities for suppliers and contractors in defense-related chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) technologies and automotive powertrain systems.
- Procurement professionals should note the involvement of state and local economic development entities such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Oakland County, which may offer partnership or incentive opportunities.
- Companies specializing in manufacturing, R&D, and operational support services in the automotive and defense sectors may find new contracting or subcontracting prospects linked to these expansions.
- The announcement reflects Michigan's competitive positioning in next-generation automotive industries, indicating potential for future procurement initiatives aligned with state economic development goals.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- Michigan Strategic Fund
- City of Auburn Hills
- Oakland County
- City of Southfield

### Vendors
- AirBoss Defense Group, LLC (prime contractor)
- Horse Powertrain USA Inc. (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries like auto manufacturing.
> — Gretchen Whitmer, Governor

### Sources
- [Gov. Whitmer Announces 110 New Automotive Jobs, more than $16 million in investment in Oakland County](https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/09/09/whitmer-announces-110-automotive-jobs-16-million-in-investment-in-oakland-county) - MI