Detroit Regional Partnership attracts over $363 million in investment, $2,100+ direct jobs in 2021
Organization participates in over 60 trade missions, shows and delegations
DETROIT – The Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) released its year-end business development numbers as it kicks off outreach in 2022 in domestic and international markets. The non-profit economic development organization secured 21 project wins in 2021, which are expected to create more than $363 million in investment and 2,146 direct jobs in the 11-county Detroit Region.
“The Detroit Regional Partnership is really hitting its stride as we enter just our third full year of operations,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the DRP. “Domestic and international companies are seeing the value in working with us to navigate the region as they make critical investment decisions. Companies need to make location decisions quickly and we provide one convenient, confidential point of contact.”
The 21 projects closed in 2021 will contribute an estimated $102.9 million to the regional payroll, while adding 653 pathway jobs (out of the total 2,146 direct jobs). Pathway jobs are those that are more accessible because they do not require a college degree and serve as an entry point to progress through the workforce to achieve higher-paying positions.
Last year, the DRP executed a hybrid business development strategy participating in more than 60 virtual or in-person trade missions, delegations and conferences as public health guidelines allowed. Resuming in-person travel in May, the DRP notched most of its project wins in the autonomous and electric mobility, smart manufacturing, and tech sectors. Key expansion and development projects included: Yanfeng in Highland Park, Pace Industries in Novi, XL Fleet in Wixom, and AGP E-Glass in Canton Township.
“While the pandemic is limiting some international deals, we are experiencing one of the hottest industrial markets in the past 50 years and companies are showing a lot of interest,” said Justin Robinson, senior vice president of business development for the DRP. “We have a robust outreach schedule for this year and will continue to proactively engage prospects so they understand the depth of talent and assets that make this region so innovative.”
In the 10 months ahead, the DRP will participate in more than 30 trade missions and shows, up to eight international delegations, and 28 site selector engagements, mixing in virtual and in-person formats.
“We are excited about 2022, we think there is a plenty of pent-up demand and interest in the region remains high – particularly as companies are looking at where they need to be to succeed in the race for electric, autonomous and connected vehicle technology,” Krauss added.
About the Detroit Regional Partnership
Launched in 2019, the Detroit Regional Partnership is a public-private economic development partnership focused on marketing and business attraction for the 11-county Detroit Region. It serves as a convenient single point of contact to all regional resources and works with companies and site selectors to help manage their projects and support their transition into the region. It specializes in helping companies understand and access the competitive advantages of our region – from workforce data to state and local incentives. Learn more at: DetroitRegionalPartnership.com.
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