Leading auto supplier investing, adding jobs with support from Michigan Strategic Fund

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan continues to secure its position as the automotive capital of the world as Toronto-based AGS Automotive Systems, a full-service automotive supplier, makes its first entry into the autonomous vehicle space in the United States through an expansion at its campus in Sterling Heights with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced earlier this month. The project is expected to create 100 high-paying, high-skilled jobs.

“AGS Automotive Systems’ expansion in Sterling Heights will drive new advancements in future mobility and underscores the strength of the talent in the state’s advanced auto manufacturing and mobility sectors,” said MEDC Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “This investment reinforces Michigan’s reputation as the global center of the automotive industry, and we’re pleased to work with our local partners to support the expansion.”

AGS Automotive Systems, established in 1947, specializes in manufacturing complex automotive metal components. The company supplies automotive OEMs in the United States and Canada, and currently employs nearly 500 people in Michigan.

AGS has been awarded a new contract from one of its key customers, which will serve as the platform for the company’s entry into a high-tech segment of the impact assembly business. AGS plans to add capacity in several of its key processes within the existing footprint of its facility in Sterling Heights, while integrating increased levels of autonomous vehicle technology into its products. The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $5 million and create 100 jobs, resulting in an $850,000 Michigan Business Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in other locations.

“AGS is very excited about its continued growth in Michigan. The guidance and support received from the city of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, and the state of Michigan over the years have been instrumental,” said Jeff Szulya, director of U.S. Operations for AGS Automotive Systems. “We value these partnerships and look forward to continued growth and success within the state of Michigan.”

The positions being created will include engineers, craftsmen, and operators with pay that is above average for the county, and also allow for promotion from within. The project is the company’s first entry into the autonomous vehicle space in the United States and aligns with key strategic goals of MEDC to facilitate business growth in mobility and automotive manufacturing as well as to foster high-wage job growth. The project builds on the state's global leadership in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification, and offers potential for significant follow-on projects in the long term.

“AGS Automotive has always played a large role in helping position Sterling Heights as a leading community for advanced manufacturing, and it’s no surprise that their customers trust their ability to expand both their capacity and their technology,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “It’s projects like these, as well as our highly skilled local workforce, that cement our city’s reputation for innovative, world-class manufacturing.”

The city of Sterling Heights plans to support the project with marketing and/or recruitment assistance. Individuals interested in careers with AGS Automotive should visit https://www.agsautomotive.com/career-opportunities/.

“This AGS investment once again makes clear that Macomb County is a leader in next-generation mobility,” said Vicky Rowinski, director, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “We have the talented and highly-skilled workforce, the supply chain, and the partners to make this all possible, and I'm thrilled that the county was able to play an important role in moving this project forward.”

Today’s announcement is the latest in a number of mobility and EV-focused projects choosing Michigan, including the recent announcement by Lordstown Motors that it is planning to establish an automotive R&D center in Farmington Hills and create 141 jobs, as well as the announcement by Navistar that it is planning to establish its NEXT eMobility Center in Rochester Hills, creating 50 high-wage jobs focused on eMobility-specific engineering roles.

It also builds on the momentum from the launch of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) in 2020, reaffirming Michigan’s position as the global leader in producing and developing the next generation of transportation technologies. The Office is working across state government, academia, and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale-up of emerging technologies and businesses.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org