Pfizer, the global pharmaceutical industry leader, announced this week it will add 250 jobs to its Portage manufacturing facility as part of a $120 million investment to produce Paxlovid, the company’s antiviral COVID-19 pill. According to the company, the facility will be the only U.S. manufacturer of the ingredients and materials used to produce Paxlovid. The investment builds on Michigan’s leadership in combatting COVID-19 since cases were first detected in March 2020, with the first U.S. doses of the Pfizer vaccine being manufactured at the Portage facility.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on Monday at the Governor’s State of Small Business Summit, which brought together business support organizations, economic development partners, advocates, and lenders as part of a statewide effort to inform a comprehensive strategy for microenterprise and small business investment in Michigan. Attendees heard about strides the State of Michigan and the MEDC have taken to elevate small business as a strategic focus area and updates on the U.S. Department of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) lending and technical assistance programs.

FLO, a leading North American electric vehicle charging network operator and smart charging solutions provider, announced this week a new electric vehicle charger manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills. This $3 million investment is FLO’s first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility and is expected to create 133 jobs in 2023, continuing Michigan’s momentum leading EV-related investments as the state prepares for an electric future.

Following last week’s transformational $2 billion investment from Ford in a series of plants throughout Southeast Michigan, this week’s episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Jennifer Brace, Global Trends and Futuring Manager at Ford Motor Company. Brace joins host Ed Clemente as they discuss how she is helping Ford be better prepared for what lies ahead, and with the best job title ever. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its new potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership to find customized business assistance.

MEDC continues to support businesses and communities across the state. Learn more about our economic and recovery resources currently available or read more about the impact our programs are having and our COVID-19 response.