June 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Announces 750 New Jobs Coming to Michigan & Nearly $18 Million Investment Across Two Companies
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved support for two separate projects that will create up to 750 new jobs combined and yield nearly $18 million in private investment in Ann Arbor Township and the City of Portage.
“In every corner of our state, people and businesses are choosing Michigan to grow and thrive as small business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents,” said Governor Whitmer. “The nearly $18 million investment and job creation of up to 750 new jobs by TORC Robotics, Inc. and Pro Services will support our economy and our residents in building a future of prosperity for generations to come.”
“From the continued growth of a former startup in Southeast Michigan, to the expansion of a staple employer for a community in West Michigan, today’s actions by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board are clear demonstrations that executing the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy supporting our People, cultivating our Places, and winning Projects is paying dividends for Michiganders,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and chair of the MSF. “We are grateful for the legislatively provided economic development tools that enabled these projects to move closer to reality and benefit our friends, family, and neighbors in every region of the state of Michigan.”
Torc Plans Engineering Innovation Center in Ann Arbor
OVERVIEW: Torc – an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG headquartered in Virginia – is establishing an engineering innovation center in Ann Arbor Township (Washtenaw County) with support from a $3 million performance-based Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund today. The company chose to create up to 500 new jobs and invest at least $5.59 million in Michigan instead of competing sites in Texas and Virginia.
The average salary for positions related to this project expects to be $177,000 per year, equivalent to an hourly wage of $85.10 an hour – well above the Regional Median Wage of $22.54 per hour – along with offering a comprehensive benefits package. In addition to the MBDP grant, Ann Arbor SPARK has been actively working with Torc and the MEDC to provide support for the project by job portal exposure and marketing support.
“With the launch of its new engineering and innovation center in Ann Arbor, TORC is helping tell the story that this region is where mobility companies come to scale,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “As a 20-year-old startup now backed by Daimler Truck, Torc’s growth reinforces Ann Arbor’s position as a destination for world-class engineering talent and next-generation transportation innovation.”
WHY IT MATTERS: The project will enhance Michigan’s best-in-nation automotive industry status and the respective supply chain while creating sought-after, knowledge-economy jobs in the growing R&D space.
“Torc is excited to bring innovative, transformation-driven careers to Michigan bolstering the very heart of the American Automotive industry,” Torc Chief People Officer Jamie Swaim said. “Ann Arbor’s rich talent base in autonomous and automotive expertise directly fuels our mission of driving the future of freight.”
For information on careers with Torc, please visit their website.
Pro Services, Inc. Expanding Much-Needed Skilled Trades Operations in Kalamazoo County
OVERVIEW: Pro Services, Inc., a multi-skilled trades contractor offering installation, maintenance, and workforce solutions to industrial, commercial and residential clients nationwide, plans to invest up to $12.4 million to expand its operations in the City of Portage (Kalamazoo County) with support from a $1.25 million performance-based MBDP grant. The project anticipates creating at least 250 new jobs to accommodate a heavy backlog of orders and take on new customers.
“This investment from the MEDC is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work our team has been doing and the bright future we see ahead,” said Josh Jelenek, President and CEO of Pro Services Inc. “We’re proud to expand right here in Southwest Michigan – the region where Pro Services got its start back in 1987 – and we’re committed to creating 250 high-quality jobs that support Michigan’s skilled workforce and growing manufacturing economy.”
Starting wages for the new jobs created from this opportunity will be $28.07 per hour plus benefits, which is well above the Regional Median Wage of $21.52 per hour. Clients for the company span nationwide, but are primarily based in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
WHY IT MATTERS: Professionals in and around the industry have long raised concerns about a shortage of skilled trades workers being available in Michigan as the current workforce is aging out. Pro Services, Inc., is a licensed State of Michigan Proprietary Training Institution (known as Pro U), meaning they are helping to address this need and keep skilled tradespeople in Michigan for the array of industries seeking their skills.
In addition to the Pro U Journeyman Maintenance two-year apprentice program, the company offers tuition reimbursement and annual off-site training to team leaders, providing Michiganders a steady and reliable career with opportunities for professional development.
“Pro Services’ multi-million-dollar investment and creation of at least 250 new jobs is a major win for our region—and a powerful statement that Michigan is a place to grow,” said Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First. “As a multi-skilled contractor, Pro Services is investing to meet the rising demand for critical maintenance and mechanical services, which are essential to industrial and commercial customers. They are also growing their Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program, training the next generation of Journeyman Industrial Reliability Technicians and helping to build a strong manufacturing talent pipeline in Michigan. This investment creates a ripple effect, directly supporting the operations and growth of manufacturers across the state. Despite opportunities to expand in neighboring states, we’re especially proud that Pro Services chose to deepen their roots right here in Southwest Michigan.”
For more information on careers with Pro Services, Inc., visit their website.
MSF Continues Supporting Entrepreneurship, Innovation with SSBCI Venture Capital Funding
OVERVIEW: The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved up to $9.8 million of State Small Business Credit Initiative Venture Capital (SSBCI VC) Program funding for the New Community Transformation Fund II, L.P., which invests in companies owned or operated by business leaders of color in West Michigan.
WHY IT MATTERS: Michigan lags nearby states when it comes to funding startups. By continuing to invest in funds like the New Community Transformation Fund and others, Michigan is making good on a commitment made by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to expand its reach in the fast-paced, rapidly growing ecosystem of startups, thereby unlocking significant economic potential and building a more resilient economy for all.
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