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Pure Michigan Means Business

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Michigan is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. Bold changes have made us more business-friendly than ever. Business taxes are lower than any time in decades. These changes, combined with our manufacturing leadership, world-class talent, geographic advantage and Pure Michigan lifestyle, are fueling new economic growth and new business opportunities.

Here's just a few of the many reasons to consider Michigan for development, expansion or relocation:

  • Ranked #1 in new manufacturing jobs by CNBC
  • Home to one of the world's largest concentrations of industrial R&D
  • Michigan possesses a world-class university system that produces a growing pool of tech-skilled talent
  • Business tax reduction of over 80% for small and medium-sized companies
  • Redesigned incentive programs and streamlined regulatory processes

Ours is the best comeback story in the nation. We invite you to help us write the next chapter.

AUTOMOTIVE: THE HEART OF A WORLDWIDE INDUSTRY

Michigan is the global center of automotive R&D with investments exceeding those of the other 49 states, Canada and Mexico combined. With more than 3,000 R&D tech centers employing more than 65,000 people, expenditures within this core market exceed $10 billon annually. When you consider the fact that the world's nine largest OEMs have facilities in Michigan and 93 of the top 150 automotive suppliers in North America are headquartered in the state, Michigan is ideal for your next investment location.

Advantages:

  • Michigan is preparing for the "smart" cars of the future, autonomous driving, phone and tablet compatibility and other technologies
  • Michigan is home to more than 70 percent of all U.S. automotive R&D spending
  • Michigan's infrastructure and supply chain are proven and have continuously been honed within the automotive market since the early 20th century

What Happens When Auto Meets Autopilot?

Distracted driving is a global problem but solutions are being invented right here in Michigan. Sonar, radar, infrared cameras, even car-to-car wireless communication are all being developed to bring the day of auto-piloted cars closer. Drawn by a large talent pool, a dynamic automotive infrastructure and state support, companies have found that futuristic thinking is automatic in Pure Michigan. Learn more at www.michiganbusiness.org/BXJ

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Michigan became the world's leading center for the marriage between manufacturing, information technology, design and engineering as a direct product of historic dominance within the auto industry. This natural progression in practice has led to a diversification into plastics, software development, robotics and electronics. Michigan ranks fourth overall in the number of engineering degrees granted and has more engineers per capita than any other state. The state's numerous R&D centers provide engineering, design and research support for several industries.

Advantages:

  • Michigan is a leader in auto and university R&D spending
  • Michigan's low competitive energy costs ensure a lower cost of operation
  • The state's history in custom manufacturing has segued into 3-D printing for rapid prototyping
  • Michigan is also home to leading robotics companies
  • 25% of all automotive patents originate in Michigan, 2.5 times more than any other state.

What happens when plant meets roots?

Cosma Castings Michigan, a subsidiary of global auto supplier Magna International Inc., is opening an automotive components and systems plant in Battle Creek. Heading to the state where the automotive industry began, Cosma will invest up to $162 million in its new facility and create 572 new jobs. With support from the state's incentive programs, there is no telling how much they will grow in Pure Michigan. Learn more at www.michiganbusiness.org/BXJ

DEFENSE

The established capabilities in advanced manufacturing, R&D, engineering and a consistently evolving supply chain are just some of the factors that make Michigan the place to be for defense industry contracts. Michigan is helping power the military, which is turning to companies like TM3 Systems, the premier developer of mobile microgrid power management systems. Following investments from the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, TM3 is creating solutions that reduce fossil fuel consumption while increasing remote quality and reliability, giving the military a source of power that's Pure Michigan.

Advantages:

  • Michigan is focused on the future of the DoD in regard to cybersecurity, unmanned systems and alternative energy
  • The U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Command is home to the Ground Vehicle Power and Energy Laboratory, which is at the forefront of identifying, testing and evaluating alternative energy sources for the Army and its partners
  • Michigan is home to the Army's Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center, the nation's lab for developing advanced military ground vehicle technologies

What happens when electrons meet a positive?

Looking to create the "Holy Grail" of lasers, the U.S. Navy turned to Lansing-based Niowave, Inc. to help develop their next generation of weaponry. Aided by a tax incentive package that allowed them to expand their facility and add more employees, Niowave is perfectly positioned to develop a free electron laser that's powerful enough to knock missiles out of the sky from miles away. It's just another example of how reaching new heights is Pure Michigan. Learn more at www.michiganbusiness.org/BXJ

To talk to a business development specialist, call 1.888.522.0103 michiganbusiness.org 300 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48913

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Michigan Economic Development Corporation