City of Detroit

Detroit is where entrepreneurial minds meet manufacturing expertise

Detroit is home to movers and shakers across all industries–from manufacturing to financial services to creative design. Today, the Motor City is still the automotive capital of the U.S., as well as a booming smart manufacturing hub and the United States’ first and only UNESCO City of Design. 

Detroit is also a prime, centralized location and an international gateway to the world. The city is built on the busiest northern border crossing in the U.S., which moves about $44 billion in transported goods each year. And the Detroit Metropolitan Airport connects your business to the world with more than 140 non-stop flight destinations to four continents.

In Detroit, leading companies benefit from a world-class talent pipeline while enjoying a remarkably low cost of doing business. There are four universities and colleges within the city that provide high-demand and highly skilled talent to local companies–all at 30% lower labor costs compared to other major metros.

Top Employers: General Motors, Illitch Holdings, Rock Ventures, and Henry Ford Health System

Lead Agency: www.degc.org

Genesee/Flint MSA

Flint fosters local education and transportation solutions

Genesee County encompasses 648 square miles to the northwest of Detroit, featuring a world-class arts center, the state’s largest planetarium, and the largest county park system in the State of Michigan. The county is also the birthplace of General Motors and home to three major medical centers: McLaren-Flint, Hurley Medical Center, and Genesys Regional Medical Center.

The largest city in Genesee County is the City of Flint, which offers an exceptional network of higher education institutions to help drive innovation and support local workforce development. The University of Michigan-Flint is ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest with more than 100 undergraduate degree programs. And Kettering University is a national leader in experiential STEM education with one of the top engineering programs in the U.S.

Flint and Genesee County also have top-notch transportation infrastructure, including three major highways, three rail lines, and the Bishop International Airport. Whether you’re hauling freight to Canada or flying across the country, Genesee connects businesses with the world.

Top Employers: General Motors, Diplomat Pharmacy, McLaren Regional Medical Center, and Hurley Medical Center

Lead Agency: www.flintandgenesee.org

Lapeer

Lapeer County offers global connectivity at an affordable price

A wide range of diverse companies from around the world have chosen to move to Lapeer because it offers a distinct strategic advantage for growing businesses. With low-cost properties and cost of living, excellent infrastructure, award-winning schools, and access to major markets, Lapeer County has all the necessary resources to position your business for success.

Lapeer County is located just north of Detroit along the I-69 International NAFTA Trade Corridor–within 500 miles of a third of the U.S. population and less than one hour from Ontario, Canada’s largest province. The I-69 interstate highway travels south across the United States, connecting you with both the Canadian and Mexican borders. This close proximity to Detroit’s global network gives Lapeer businesses access to the region’s skilled talent and business community, while also offering some distance from the big city bustle.  

An outdoor lover’s paradise, Lapeer has over 12,000 acres of public recreation lands, including 159 lakes and eight golf courses. And best of all, Lapeer County has affordable land nearby just waiting to become your new home. Lapeer already has several industrial parks prepared with utilities and road improvements, ready for development.

Top Employers: Lapeer Plating & Plastics, Pinnacle Foods Group, Kamax, and McLaren-Lapeer Region Hospital

Lead Agency: www.lapeerdevelopment.com

Lenawee

Lenawee County combines small-town living with big-city business

Lenawee County is located near the Ohio-Michigan border in southeast Michigan, providing easy access to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Toledo, Ohio. With close proximity to these major cities, Lenawee businesses enjoy the comforts of suburb living while still benefiting from the nearby urban amenities.

Lenawee County is an ideal location for your business to grow and a community where you’ll truly love to live. Lenawee offers a skilled and qualified workforce, strong agricultural base, and commercial and industrial sites ready throughout the county. Lenawee is also home to the Michigan International Speedway, the historic Croswell Opera House, and the Adrian Symphony Orchestra. 

In Lenawee, collaboration is especially key. Local partnerships with the Detroit Regional Partnership, Greater Ann Arbor Region, and Toledo bring together a myriad of industry assets while local talent grows through training at their specialty schools and colleges, including two private colleges–Adrian College and Siena Heights University–and a satellite campus for Jackson College.

Top Employers: Inteva Products, Hi-Lex Controls, Kirchhoff Automotive, and Wacker Chemical Corporation

Lead Agency: www.lenaweenow.org

Livingston

Livingston County is a beautiful home in the city suburbs

Just north of Ann Arbor, Livingston County offers convenient access to major metropolitan centers of Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint. Livingston is connected to the rest of the region through three major expressways, including I-96, US 23, and M-59.

Livingston County has the highest median household income and the lowest poverty rate in the State of Michigan. One of the region’s most educated communities, Livingston’s local talent specializes mostly in office administration, sales, production work, and executive management. From manufacturing to professional services, Livingston offers a robust community where your employees will love to work.

Livingston’s picturesque landscapes, breathtaking historic architecture, and connected community attract both businesses and families to the area. The county seat of Livingston is the City of Howell, which is a National Registered Historic District known for its comfortable charm and urban flair. And for seasoned skiers, the Mt. Brighton Ski Area is one of the most legendary snow sports destinations in the Midwest.

Top Employers: Trinity Health, Citizens Insurance Company, Livingston Educational Service Agency, and Chem-Trend

Lead Agency: annarborusa.org/livingston-county

Macomb

Macomb County is a fast-growing hub of leading manufacturers

Macomb County is Michigan’s third most populated county and is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. On the northern shores of Lake St. Clair, Macomb encompasses 482 square miles and consists of 27 unique communities, including two of the state’s largest cities: Warren and Sterling Heights.

Macomb County provides a skilled and ready workforce, superior research and development support, transportation and logistical infrastructure, and a supplier network unlike any other locale in the world. With efficient access to I-94 and I-696, incoming businesses are often pleasantly surprised at how cost-effective and easy it is to begin development in Macomb, quickly becoming a part of the greater Detroit community.  

Macomb is also home to a major defense industry sector with both the U.S. Army Garrison – Detroit Arsenal and the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, one of the largest joint Reserves Forces in the United States. These defense operations benefit from Macomb County’s booming advanced manufacturing industry, including operations for some of the world’s leading automotive OEMs.

Top Employers: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Stellantis, and Henry Ford Health System

Lead Agency: business.macombgov.org/business-home

Monroe / MSA

Monroe County is a manufacturing supercluster on the Lake Erie shore

Situated in the southeastern corner of Michigan, Monroe County is located directly between Detroit to the north and Toledo, Ohio, to the south. With close proximity to both U.S. and Canadian markets, Monroe’s centralized location is the epicenter of a rapidly growing logistics cluster.

Monroe County is home to the state’s only port on Lake Erie, which provides a valuable gateway to the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean. The Port of Monroe was responsible for more than $96 million in economic activity in 2017, and companies benefit from the port’s direct access to Class I rail lines and the I-75 highway, which runs all the way from Michigan to Florida. 

Monroe County is characterized by industrial development along its eastern shoreline and agriculture to the west. With two coal-fired power plants and one nuclear plant, Monroe is a leader in power generation, as well as a manufacturing supercluster.  Monroe’s highly trained talent manufactures everything from glass to machinery to computers and electronics.

Top Employers: Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, La-Z-Boy, Dundee Engine Plant, and ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital

Lead Agency: monroecountybdc.org

Oakland

Oakland County is an international hub of industry innovation

Oakland County is the second most populated county in the State of Michigan and the second most educated county in the entire Detroit Region. With one of the United States’ leading high-tech workforces and a high concentration of engineering graduates, Oakland’s talent attracts innovative international businesses.  

Oakland County has five Fortune 500 companies and more than 1,000 international firms from 38 countries around the world. The county is ranked 13th nationally in total exports and has maintained its AAA bond rating for over 20 years. And Oakland is home to operations for 64 of the Global 100 Automotive OEMs and Tier One Suppliers–a booming auto manufacturing hub just north of the Motor City.

Oakland is also a national leader in research and development, especially in the automotive and advanced manufacturing industries. The county offers several innovative programs to support local industry, including its Medical Main Street and Tech248 initiatives. And Oakland University regularly partners with local firms to research innovative ideas and new solutions.

Top Employers: Stellantis, Beaumont Health System, General Motors, and Ascension Michigan

Lead Agency: www.oakgov.com

Shiawassee

Shiawassee County is an affordable manufacturing community

Shiawassee County offers your company a centralized location with a pro-business climate and affordable, competitive costs. Shiawassee is located halfway between Toronto and Chicago along the I-69 International NAFTA Trade Corridor–just minutes from Lansing and Flint, as well as nationally recognized universities like Michigan State University and the University of Michigan-Flint. The I-69 interstate highway travels south across the United States, connecting the Canadian and Mexican borders.

With nearby rail and airport access, Shiawassee is a growing logistics center, ready to support your transportation and distribution operations. Industries like automotive manufacturing, pollution control, and agribusiness especially thrive in Shiawassee County thanks to its global supplier network and manufacturing expertise.

In Shiawassee, companies benefit from a pro-business environment, including right-to-work legislation, low union activity, and advantageous tax reforms. The cost of doing business in Shiawassee is also remarkably affordable compared to other metro areas. Both median wages and the local cost of living is significantly below the national average, which allows your employees to live comfortably while your business grows.

Top Employers: Memorial Healthcare, Wheeler Trucking, Crest Marine, and Machine Tool & Gear

Lead Agency: sedpweb.org

St. Clair

St. Clair County is a beautiful shoreside suburb where business thrives

St. Clair County is a great place to invest, do business, and raise a family. Located along the shoreline of Lake Huron, St. Clair is a suburban community where you can enjoy Michigan’s natural beauty while still positioning your business for global success.

St. Clair is a logistical center of international commerce with a double-stacked rail tunnel, a deep-water port, and the third-busiest commercial truck crossing on the U.S.-Canada border. The county’s economy is further bolstered by its strong manufacturing cluster and energy generation industry. St. Clair is home to the largest underground natural gas storage in the Midwest, and a third of the Detroit metro is powered by energy generated in St. Clair County.

St. Clair also offers robust recreational opportunities, including a diverse fishery, marinas and golf courses, scenic trails, and a state-designated Island Loop water trail. With its vibrant community and high quality of life, it’s no wonder that St. Clair is leading the state in net migration of educated young talent.

Top Employers: DTE Energy, SMR Automotive Systems USA, McLaren Port Huron Hospital, and Grupo Antolin

Lead Agency: www.edascc.com

Washtenaw / Ann Arbor MSA

Ann Arbor is one of the nation’s best cities to live and do business

Just west of Detroit, Washtenaw County encompasses 720 square miles and includes 27 unique cities, villages, and townships. The two largest cities in the county are Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti–home to the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University respectively.  

From autonomous vehicles to professional services, Washtenaw County boasts a diverse economy dedicated to entrepreneurship. The University of Michigan supports advanced research efforts and educates an immense talent pool, which fuels innovation in growing industry sectors like data security, artificial intelligence, and biotech in the life sciences.

Ann Arbor pairs metropolitan amenities with a walkable college town community. Ann Arbor has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and raise a family, as well as the Most Educated City in America in 2018 and 2019. Ann Arbor’s tech sector has also been rapidly growing over the past decade, with the highest startup density in the Midwest and five times the U.S. average in venture capital.

Top Employers: University of Michigan, Faurecia North America, Eastern Michigan University, and Trinity Health

Lead Agency: www.annarborusa.org

Wayne

Wayne County is a booming industry community around the City of Detroit

Wayne County is home to the City of Detroit, making it the most populated county in the State of Michigan and a bustling hub of industry growth. Wayne is situated on the U.S.-Canada border with the two busiest northern border crossings in North America. Wayne also contains the Detroit Metropolitan International Airport–the state’s largest airport and Delta Air Lines’ second largest hub.

With its strategic location, Wayne County attracts advanced manufacturing, automotive research and development, and global logistics companies. Over 30,000 companies have already discovered the benefits of doing business in Wayne County. From its talented workforce to its transportation infrastructure, Wayne offers the complete talent vertical to help you design, build, and ship just about anything.

Wayne County is a vibrant community with a diverse local population, providing a talented workforce network. Outside of Detroit, Wayne County consists of charming suburban cities where businesses and employees alike love to call home. With walkable neighborhoods, affordable housing, and the world at your doorstep, Wayne County is the perfect balance between global connectivity and local community.  

Top Employers: Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, Ford Motor Company, and the City of Detroit

Lead Agency: www.waynecounty.com