Fortescue and technology company, is set to establish a US Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Detroit, Michigan, as announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved support and incentives for this venture, reflecting a commitment to creating jobs and contributing to the state’s economic development.
The facility, located on Piquette Avenue, will serve as a major hub for Fortescue’s production of automotive and heavy industry batteries, fast chargers, and electrolysers. Fortescue plans to revitalise the existing facility, turning it into a manufacturing and engineering workspace with production expected to commence in 2025. The project has the potential to generate up to 600 jobs as product lines ramp up by 2030.
To support the project, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $9 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, a 15-year, 100 percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $1,300,950, and state tax capture valued at $2,374,413 for brownfield activities reimbursement. The City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is also providing support through the local portion of the brownfield work plan valued at $4,246,411, along with an Industrial Facilities Tax abatement valued at up to $7,684,208.
The new Fortescue site, originally constructed in 1920, offers 410,000 sqft of space over six floors on 14 acres. Fortescue, through Fortescue WAE, is recognised as a leader in battery and zero emission powertrain development and manufacturing for various applications, with existing production facilities in the United Kingdom. The company is also manufacturing electrolysers at a state-of-the-art facility in Queensland, Australia.
