MI Hub for Manufacturers Puts Michigan in the driver’s seat, helps businesses navigate economic, technological and global trade shifts

• The Hub is made possible by $1.5 million in support from philanthropy and a partnership with Next Street, a national small business and supplier solutions company  

• Michigan is a top 10 state for clean energy jobs, leads the nation for total jobs in advanced materials and has the fastest-growing workforce for energy-efficient HVAC and renewable heating and cooling 

DETROIT, Mich. — Today, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office brought together the private and public sectors at the New Center Stamping plant in Detroit to launch the MI Hub for Manufacturers. Acting as a digital front door, the MI Hub for Manufacturers equips small- and mid-sized manufacturing businesses with the tools they need to modernize operations, stay competitive amidst industry changes and put Michigan in the driver’s seat of the growing clean energy economy.

“Michigan has always been a place where big ideas are built and we’re doubling down to make sure our manufacturers are ready to lead the world into a clean energy future,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. “The MI Hub for Manufacturers is more than just an investment in advanced technology — it’s an investment in people, in communities and in a more prosperous Michigan. By helping our manufacturers adopt cutting-edge practices and clean energy solutions, we’re keeping production and jobs here at home while positioning Michigan as a global leader in innovation, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.”

The MI Hub for Manufacturers is the result of a statewide public-private partnership led by the State of Michigan in collaboration with industry associations, economic development organizations and business support providers. With $1.5 million in support from philanthropy and a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Next Street, a national small business and supplier solutions company, this dynamic, interactive online platform will publish funding opportunities, connect businesses to expert advisors and capital products, provide on-demand digital learning tools and host partner resources that can help suppliers diversify and grow to enter new supply chains.

“The MI Hub for Manufacturers is about helping small to medium-sized businesses grow, compete, and thrive in a changing economy,” said Jonathan Smith, Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office director. “By making it easier for them to access resources, funding, and expert support we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Michigan’s manufacturing sector and workforce.”

The MI Hub for Manufacturers will create a more resilient automotive and manufacturing sector in Michigan by helping businesses navigate today’s economic, technological and global trade shifts — from supply chain disruptions to tariff pressures and electric vehicle transitions. By supporting manufacturing businesses through transition, Michigan is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, resilience and job creation across the state.

“The MI Hub for Manufacturers brings together the right mix of strategy, resources, and public-private relationships to strengthen local supply chains and build a more inclusive and future-ready economy,” said Next Street CEO Charisse Conanan Johnson. “Through our partnership with the State of Michigan, we've created a leading national model to ensure small-to mid-sized manufacturers are drivers of change and have the tools they need to be engines of innovation and job creation.”

The launch of the MI Hub for Manufacturers would not be possible without the support and partnership of several Michigan-based organizations, including Automation Alley, Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University, MI Minority Supplier Development Council, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute, MI Small Business Development Center, MichAuto, Small Business Association of Michigan and Michigan Manufacturers Association.

“This collaboration with our valued partners builds on the momentum of the MEDC’s Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative. We are all invested in the success of Michigan's manufacturers and committed to providing the resources they need to thrive and grow. Together, we will construct a broad community of support that helps manufacturers to lead in the face of change and ‘Make It’ in Michigan,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President for Small Business and Talent at the MEDC.

With the right investments in adaptation and innovation, Michigan could unlock tens of thousands of new manufacturing jobs by 2040 as it advances electric vehicle manufacturing and builds out advanced energy technology like renewable energy and long-duration energy storage.

“The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has long been a cornerstone of Michigan’s manufacturing strength, providing critical support to companies navigating a rapidly changing global landscape,” said MMTC President Ingrid Tighe. “As workforce demands evolve, the importance of training and upskilling Michiganders cannot be overstated. The MI Hub for Manufacturers will play a vital role in expanding access to these resources, ensuring that both workers and manufacturers have the tools they need to stay competitive and drive Michigan’s industrial future forward."

The MI Hub for Manufacturers is one piece of a broader strategy by the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office to support manufacturers. Additional resources include a public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy that includes a commitment of a combined $3.5 billion annually to purchase technology, equipment and services from Michigan-based businesses and a $1.5 million grant from the Ballmer Group to create a Community Transition Playbook.

The 2024 Clean Jobs America Report stated that clean energy businesses in Michigan added more than 5,200 workers and now employ 127,690 Michiganders. According to Clean Jobs Midwest and Climate Power, the state is projected to add 167,000 clean energy jobs over the next decade, continuing Michigan’s leadership as the No. 1 state in the nation for IRA-funded projects that have resulted in more than $25B in new investments and over 21,400 new jobs across the state.

"I am excited about tools like the MI Hub for Manufacturers. It’s more than a platform—it’s the connector," said Lisa Lundford, Co-Founder and CEO of GS3 and MichAuto board chair. "If we want our automotive and mobility industry to be a global leader, it's critical we provide our manufacturers with the tools, resources and funding they need to be successful. The MI Hub for Manufacturers will help do just that."

Today’s launch event included remarks from the State of Michigan, Next Street, DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, MichAuto, and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, along with a demonstration of the hub and a tour of the New Center Stamping Plant. Following the launch, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) hosted a roundtable discussion with small and mid-sized manufacturers focused on key industry needs and opportunities.

“Manufacturers are the backbone of Michigan’s economy and workforce development,” said Tom Aepelbacher, New Center Stamping president. “The MI Hub for Manufacturers ensures we remain strong in that role by connecting us to the right resources and partners, like MMTC, who we’ve worked directly to improve our processes and strengthen our team. Their support has been invaluable, and now, having access to that kind of help in one place makes it even easier for businesses like ours to evolve, modernize and grow. This platform is about equipping businesses to lead in an ever-changing global economy, while continuing to drive local job creation and economic growth.”

The Community & Worker Economic Transition Office was created as part of a historic package of clean energy and climate bills passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Whitmer in 2023. The office will ensure communities, workers, and employers have the support they need to proactively prepare for, benefit from, and shape Michigan’s future economy. Learn more at Michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.