August 20, 2021
In late July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared Business Facilities’ annual rankings for 2021, and the findings were no surprise to Detroiters. In them, Michigan was listed with six top 10 spots, including snagging a repeat performance with the number one ranking in the Automotive Manufacturing Strength category.
Since Gov. Whitmer’s election in 2018, the automotive industry’s development and evolution have been key focus areas for her office. Based on the press release distributed by the Governor’s office, Michigan has been hard at work, creating a record 11,000 new automotive jobs and securing the first new auto plant in Detroit in over 30 years. And, the Big Three (Ford Motor Company, General Motors Co., and Stellantis) have collectively invested billions into the future of mobility.
“These Business Facilities rankings reaffirm what we already know: Michigan’s manufacturing workforce is who you turn to when you want to get the job done. We are building on our rich manufacturing heritage as we jumpstart our economy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and position Michigan as a top state to start and grow a business. As Michigan builds its way out of the pandemic, we have an opportunity to build a nation for the next generation and create economic prosperity for years to come,” Gov. Whitmer said.
Even during the difficult past year due to the pandemic, Michigan has remained strong with the leading spot for automotive manufacturing. It has also kept rank in the top five states for manufacturing-related employment and manufacturing output. Additionally, the state was also ranked in the top 10 for health care jobs (#8), food processing leaders (#10), and cybersecurity (#10). This further adds proof to the unique opportunities and industries in the Great Lakes state.
While Michigan is well-known for the automotive industry, the state is also a top 10 state for net tech employment, according to CompTIA’s 2019 Cyberstates report. The nation’s largest unclassified cyber range, Michigan Cyber Range, is based here, offering more than 40 industry-recognized certifications, exercises, and workshops aimed at qualifying individuals for positions and contracts in cybersecurity fields. It’s clear the Governor’s office is a huge supporter of this industry and development as well. In late July, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist participated in the CyberAuto Challenge at Macomb Community College to help bring awareness and highlight the net tech industry, the state’s leadership in cybersecurity, and workforce training.
There is no stopping the great state we call home from achieving great things. Read more about Michigan’s full rankings in Business Facilities’ 2021 report here.
Written by Megan Lasley
