# Michigan Announces Manufacturing Expansions

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three significant business expansions in St. Clair, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties on September 21, 2026, resulting in 243 new jobs and over $64.8 million in capital investments. The expansions involve U.S. Farathane, Wausau Supply Co., and Cooper Standard, each receiving support through Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grants and local incentives. These projects reinforce Michigan's leadership in advanced manufacturing and the automotive supply chain, highlighting state and local government collaboration to attract and retain manufacturing investments.

- U.S. Farathane is investing approximately $22 million to expand its Port Huron facility, creating 115 new jobs with a $747,500 MBDP grant.
- Wausau Supply Co. is developing a new 260,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in West Branch with a $41 million investment and 92 new jobs, supported by a $575,000 MBDP grant.
- Cooper Standard is establishing a 15,500 sq. ft. facility in Comins Township with a $1.9 million investment and 36 new jobs, backed by a $200,000 MBDP grant.
- Procurement professionals and contractors should note the active role of state and local economic development agencies in facilitating manufacturing growth through grants and incentives.
- These expansions indicate ongoing opportunities in advanced manufacturing supply chains within Michigan, emphasizing the importance of engagement with state programs like the MBDP.
- Companies providing construction, manufacturing equipment, and related professional services may find new contracting opportunities linked to these projects.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- City of Port Huron
- Detroit Regional Partnership
- Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
- Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

### Vendors
- U.S. Farathane, LLC (expanding company)
- Wausau Supply Co. (expanding company)
- Cooper Standard (expanding company)

### Key Quotes
> As an employee-owned company, growth like this means something different for us. Every new job in West Branch is also a new ownership stake in our future.
> — Brian Miller, President & CEO, Wausau Supply Co.

> Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects up and down the auto manufacturing supply chain.
> — Gretchen Whitmer, Governor

### Sources
- [Gov. Whitmer Announces 243 New Jobs Across Three Business Expansions in St. Clair, Ogemaw, Oscoda Counties](https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/09/21/whitmer-announces-243-jobs-across-three-business-expansions-in-st-clair-ogemaw-oscoda-counties) - MI