Gov. Whitmer Welcomes World Economic Forum’s U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing to Michigan, Bringing Economic Growth, New Jobs
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined state, local and industry officials during the Mackinac Policy Conference to celebrate the selection of Michigan as the home for the World Economic Forum’s new U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. The World Economic Forum is partnering with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Oakland County, and nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center Automation Alley on the U.S. Centre, which will be housed within Automation Alley in Troy.
“We are thrilled to welcome the World Economic Forum’s United States Centre for Advanced Manufacturing to Michigan, where our century-long auto manufacturing heritage, innovative businesses, and hardworking people continue to drive the future of the mobility and electrification in the U.S. and around the world,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Since I took office, Michigan has added nearly 30,000 manufacturing jobs, many building batteries, electric vehicle, or other advanced mobility products. These investments have cemented our status as the global epicenter of mobility and manufacturing, and with the Forum’s new Centre, we will build on that leadership, bringing in even more opportunity for workers and bolstering economic opportunity in every region of our state. Today’s investment will ensure that the words ‘Made in Michigan’ carry on for generations.”
The U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Centre joins a network of 15 Centres that spans four continents and is the first Centre in the world focused on advanced manufacturing.
The U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing will engage the American manufacturing ecosystem to rapidly increase Industry 4.0 adoption through a series of local, state, national, and international advanced manufacturing research-based and pilot-acceleration projects. In doing so, it will create a ripple effect, attracting additional advanced manufacturing investments to create additional jobs and opportunities for Michigan’s workforce. The goals of the Centre will focus solely on the future of manufacturing and help solidify Michigan’s position as the manufacturing capital of the United States, accelerating the transformation of the advanced manufacturing industry in Michigan and nationwide.
“As a company that has built a global reputation on its ability to stay on the cutting edge of hyper-pure polysilicon production for the semiconductor and solar energy industries, Hemlock Semiconductor applauds Governor Whitmer’s commitment to building on Michigan’s rich manufacturing heritage,” said Hemlock Semiconductor Chairman and CEO AB Ghosh. “Our team looks forward to a collaborative partnership that drives investments, promotes sustainability, and reaffirms Michigan’s position as the world’s capital of advanced manufacturing.”