Gov. Whitmer Announces 144 New Jobs, $4 Million Investment in Wayne, Oakland Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Announces 144 New Jobs, $4 Million Investment in Wayne, Oakland Counties

Aries investing over $1 million, creating 94 jobs in Wayne County

Pratt Miller investing nearly $3 million, creating 50 new jobs in Oakland County 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two business expansion projects in southeast Michigan creating over $4 million in capital investment and 144 good-paying jobs, contributing to the growth of Michigan’s economy.  

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries from financial technology to motor sports and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s announcement will create 144 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place for thinking and building the next big thing. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”   

“Today’s announcement truly reflects the importance of the state having the ability to work with Michigan companies to ensure that their expansion and growth plans happen here in the state,” noted Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We congratulate Aries and Pratt Miller for their commitment to Michigan and seeing that this is the place for businesses to succeed and excel.” 

Aries is a financial technology (FinTech) business that develops software and platforms for trading and market research. Established in 2021 and headquartered in San Franciso, California, Aries develops software and platforms for trading and market research. The company offers access to trading stocks, options, and other assets in numerous countries, with revenue often derived from software licensing and partnerships. Aries has built an open-source financial infrastructure to enable developers to build and launch their own applications. 

They have announced their plans to locate their global headquarters in Detroit which will also serve as their customer operations center, positioning Detroit as a rapidly growing financial ecosystem and FinTech innovation hub. The facility will house their operations and compliance center, housing additional demand for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licensed financial representatives providing trading support, compliance monitoring, and client service.  

"Aries is incredibly excited to launch this project, and we are deeply grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Team Michigan for this strategic partnership, which is instrumental to our vision of contributing to Detroit's growth as a national and international FinTech hub," said Reda Falih, CEO of Aries. 

The company anticipates the project will result in capital investment of at least $1,072,800. The project will also result in the creation of at least 94 new jobs with starting wages of $33.00 per hour plus benefits, which is above the regional median wage of $24.69 per hour. The MSF has supported the company’s relocation efforts through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant in the amount of $250,000.  

“The Detroit Region continues to attract innovative companies like Aries that are looking for both top talent and a supportive business environment,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “Through close coordination with our partners, we’re helping to ensure these new opportunities translate into meaningful, high-quality jobs for our residents and long-term growth for the region.” 

In addition to MSF support, Michigan Works! has provided talent attraction and workforce needs with an estimated value of $1,178,358. Lastly, Detroit at Work has provided talent recruitment and training services estimated at $451,785. 

“We are excited to welcome Aries to our city, the 90-plus high-paying jobs it will bring and the genuine career pathways it will create through licensing and training,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “Their choice to plant its global headquarters in our city indicates that the rest of the country is taking notice of Detroit’s rising profile in tech and financial services.”  

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Detroit’s future as a hub for financial innovation and high-quality job creation. By supporting Aries new global headquarters and operations center, the Michigan Business Development Program is helping bring nearly 100 good-paying jobs to our community while driving over $1 million in capital investment,” said State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership we need to grow our city’s economy, expand opportunities and ensure Michigan remains competitive in attracting cutting-edge industries.” 

“Aries’ decision to establish its global headquarters in Detroit is an economic investment that helps our city rise higher. We welcome the 94 jobs paying $33 an hour with benefits, licensing credentials and a clear path to career advancement that this will bring,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Detroit is a city where people want to stay, where former residents are eager to return and where companies like Aries are choosing to move and grow. We look forward to building something great together.” 

Pratt Miller Engineering & Fabrication, LLC, a Michigan-based business, is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company, with winning roots in motorsports while also serving as global customer base, delivering ingenious solutions to the motor sports, defense, mobility, and innovation industries. Founded in 1989, the company was acquired by Oshkosh Corporation in 2021 with headquarters in New Hudson, Michigan, and has been experiencing growing customer demand in its motorsports and defense division. 

Pratt Miller is announcing their plans to expand two of their existing facilities to continue the growth of its high technology business in New Hudson. The expansion plans will add an additional 24,000 square feet and create additional engineering and skilled manufacturing jobs over the next three years. The first facility expansion will add another professional sportscar race team and expanded support for existing Corvette GT3 race car customer support business. The second facility expansion will create a specialized and rare secure space to support innovative survivability and lethality solutions for government customers. 

“Pratt Miller is proud to partner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as we continue investing in the future of our business in New Hudson, Michigan. This grant supports our ongoing growth through facility expansion and job creation, while strengthening our ability to deliver advanced innovation and technology across motorsports, mobility, and defense,” said Matt Carroll, Pratt Miller Chief Executive Officer. “For more than three decades, Pratt Miller has built its reputation on solving complex challenges with speed, ingenuity and technical excellence, and we’re excited to continue growing in our home state alongside partners who share our commitment to advancing industry and creating lasting impact.” 

The company’s expansion plans are anticipated to result in nearly $3 million in capital investment while creating 50 new jobs in the area. Wages for these new jobs will all be at or greater than the regional media wage plus benefits. Support for these two expansion projects has been provided by the MSF through an MBDP performance-based grant. 

“Pratt Miller’s expansion in New Hudson is a powerful indicator of Oakland County's thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This project reinforces the strength of our local economy and highlights the successful partnership between visionary companies and our community. We are grateful for Pratt Miller’s continued commitment to the region.” 

“The expansion represents a significant commitment to Lyon Township and underscores Pratt Miller’s dedication to expanding its operations while remaining rooted in the community. As part of this investment, more than 50 new high-paying jobs are expected to be created over the next two years, further strengthening the local economy. We are honored that Pratt Miller has chosen to expand at their Lyon Township location,” said Amy Allen, Director of the Downtown Development Authority, Lyon Township. “Their continued growth reflects the strength of our community as a place where innovative businesses can thrive, and we look forward to welcoming new team members as the company continues to expand. Lyon Township values its long-standing partnership with Pratt Miller and looks forward to supporting their continued success for years to come.” 

In addition to MSF support, Lyon Township is offering retention support services, making important connections with the state and local organizations such as Michigan Works! and Advantage Oakland for employment recruitment opportunities and related support services. 

For those interested in pursuing a career with Pratt Miller, please click <HERE.>  

NOTE FROM THE MEDC: 

Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as milestones are reached, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.