Gov. Whitmer Gives Speech on New High-Tech and Clean Energy Investments, Strengthening Partnerships with Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025

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Gov. Whitmer Gives Speech on New High-Tech and Clean Energy Investments, Strengthening Partnerships with Canada

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three new high-tech and clean energy investments that Canadian companies are planning to make in Michigan, supporting more than 50 jobs and investing over $2.5 million.

The governor also delivered a speech at the Empire Club of Canada to reinforce the Michigan-Canada economic relationship, one of the largest and most significant cross-border partnerships in the world. The Empire Club of Canada, established in 1903, is a speakers' forum that has hosted over 3,500 prominent Canadian and international leaders.

"Today, we've made the case that Michigan is the best place to invest, even in uncertain global times," said Governor Whitmer. "From clean energy to advanced manufacturing and mobility, our partnership with Canada remains strong and continues to create good-paying jobs on both sides of the border. I look forward to building on this momentum and strengthening our partnership."

Today, the governor announced two new high-tech automotive sector investments into Michigan. The Governor, along with company officials at Laserglow and Geotab, announced their intentions to expand in Michigan. These investments highlight Michigan's strong cross-border economic ties and the state's success in attracting job-creating investments from Canadian partners.

Laserglow Technologies, a Toronto-based OEM specializing in projected signage and smart hazard awareness systems, is establishing its first U.S. warehouse and assembly facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The expansion will create 16 new jobs to support Laserglow's growing U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations. Laserglow's expansion into Michigan will result in $1,225,000 of private investment and be supported by a $72,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

"As our U.S. customer base continues to grow, expanding into Michigan is a natural and necessary step," said Dimitry Fedorov, CEO of Laserglow Technologies. "Sterling Heights offers strategic access to our key markets, a strong manufacturing ecosystem, and a shared commitment to innovation. This facility strengthens our ability to serve partners with greater speed and proximity, while reinforcing our long-term investment in building safer, more efficient industrial environments across America."

"The Detroit Region continues to lead the way in advancing Industry 4.0 technologies," said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. "Laserglow's decision to establish their new U.S. headquarters here in Michigan is a prime reflection of that. We're proud to welcome them to the Detroit Region, and excited to see their cutting-edge products further enhance safety in manufacturing."

"We're thrilled to see Laserglow chose Macomb County, and more specifically, Sterling Heights for its new U.S. headquarters," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "The Canadian company clearly saw the value in our region. From our highly skilled workforce to our strong supply chain and network of businesses, Macomb County is the right place for international organizations to land. I'd like to commend our Department of Planning and Economic Development for its role in making this initiative possible. We were able to compete for this project with other states and regions because of our deep connections and relationships that ultimately benefit Laserglow. I look forward to seeing this effort become a reality and I'm proud of the jobs and economic impact it will make."

"Right on the heels of Rafael Systems Global Sustainment choosing Sterling Heights as its American Headquarters, we are thrilled to welcome Laserglow's U.S. headquarters to Sterling Heights," said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. "Their $1.2 million investment is a vote of confidence in our community as well as a reflection of the business-friendly environment and unmatched workforce we've built here. Competing against locations in New York, Tennessee, and Texas, Sterling Heights stood out because of our thriving manufacturing industry and the talented people who drive it. Both these businesses choosing our community as their national headquarters is yet another example of how our city continues to be a destination where innovative companies can grow and succeed."

Geotab USA, Inc., a global leader in connected transportation solutions, announced its intentions to open a new office in Metro Detroit. The Madison Heights facility will serve as a strategic hub for product development and innovation, expected to support 41 new senior and technical jobs initially and $1,560,000 in private investment with state support for the project under consideration to close the deal in Michigan. Geotab's expansion builds on over two decades of innovation in the U.S. connected vehicle industry and comes as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary and surpasses 5 million connected vehicle subscriptions globally.

"Metro Detroit's legacy in the automotive industry and its reputation as a hub for transportation transformation make it the perfect location for us to continue building our investment in advanced engineering and leading edge innovation" said Neil Cawse, Founder and CEO of Geotab. "We're investing in Michigan to be closer to our partners and customers and to tap into the region's highly skilled workforce. As fleets across the country, and globally, embrace data-driven solutions, we are well positioned to drive the transformation through skilled talent and technology."

"We're thrilled to welcome Geotab's U.S. Engineering Center to the Detroit Region," said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. "Their investment reinforces Michigan's position as a global hub where hardware and software converge to shape the future of transportation. We're grateful Geotab chose our region to expand their legacy of innovation in the connected vehicle space."

"Oakland County is delighted to roll out the welcome mat for Geotab's new engineering support facility in Madison Heights," said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. "As a global leader in connected vehicle technology and advanced data analytics, Geotab will be a positive addition to the county's growing mobility industry."

"Madison Heights is proud to welcome Geotab USA into our local business community," said Giles Tucker, Community & Economic Development Director of Madison Heights. "Thanks to the MEDC's Michigan Business Development program, Geotab USA will bring new investment and high-quality jobs and creates opportunities that will benefit our resident and region for years to come."

Additionally, the governor announced that Charbone, a Montreal-based energy company, plans to establish an electrolyzer facility in Michigan to produce clean hydrogen. Charbone's planned electrolyzer project will advance clean energy production in Michigan and highlights the attractiveness of Gov. Whitmer's MI Healthy Climate Plan to international investors.

"Charbone Corporation thanks Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her team for the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which makes Michigan a prime location for clean energy businesses and investors. Our company has been planning its first U.S. facility in Michigan and today's announcement is opening a high-level communication channel and strengthening our relationship with Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Detroit Regional Partnership, paving the way to a successful project. Charbone is confident that its project will create a local momentum, while generating positive and lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits for all Michiganders and local communities" said Dave B. Gagnon, President and CEO of Charbone Corporation.

The Governor was joined by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. and MEDC representatives, who engaged Canadian companies, government and business leaders, and partners across multiple sectors to reinforce the Michigan-Canada economic relationship.

"By continuing to take the state of Michigan's Make It in Michigan economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects on the road globally, Team Michigan is creating opportunity at home by attracting investment from innovative companies from around the world," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr. "These announcements demonstrate the importance of being present in-market, listening to leaders directly, and ensuring that Michigan's value proposition remains top of mind. As we conclude this mission, we are proud of the work Team Michigan is doing to strengthen our global reputation, deepen relationships with Canadian partners, and position the state to thrive amid global competition. Work remains; however, this investment mission built undeniable momentum for the future."

Michigan and Canada have one of the largest bilateral trade relationships in the world, with billions of dollars in goods and services crossing the border every year. The state's northern neighbor is its top export market, and since 2019, Canadian companies have created 42 projects in Michigan, resulting in $2.75 billion in capital expenditures and creating 7,833 jobs. Automotive projects are the top sector for Canadian investments, with other significant sectors including business services, metals, renewable energy, transportation and warehousing, chemicals, and electronic components.

Governor Whitmer's announcement builds on previous work across Asia, Europe, and Australia, continuing the administration's focus on strengthening Michigan's global reputation as a premier destination for business investment and innovation.

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