Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces leading die casting manufacturer Pace Industries relocating headquarters from Arkansas to Michigan, creating more than 60 high-wage jobs in Novi

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that Pace Industries, a leading provider of die casting solutions, is relocating its headquarters from Arkansas to Novi, signaling continued economic recovery in Michigan.

The project is expected to initially create more than 60 new jobs in Novi and generate a total private investment of $1.9 million with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project after considering Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, or remaining in Fayetteville.

“The decision by Pace Industries, a leading national die casting manufacturer, to relocate its headquarters to Michigan underscores the strength of our business climate and creates more good-paying, high-skill jobs for our talented workforce,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is great news for workers, their families, and our economy as we continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work. With the help of companies like Pace, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever before.”

Pace Industries, LLC provides die casting, manufacturing, and engineering solutions to global customers in the automotive, lighting, appliance and powersport industries. Pace has a current workforce of 360 employees in Detroit and Muskegon.

Pace has relocated its corporate headquarters from Arkansas to the city of Novi, where it has leased office space that houses corporate executives, managerial, technical sales and clerical staff. The location in Novi is near a major travel hub and puts the company in proximity to the engineering talent as well as many of its automotive and non-automotive customers in the Midwest.

This project will not only bring high-paying positions to the state but will also bring opportunities for entry-level employees to grow within the manufacturing management environment. Pace provides training on a variety of skillsets to new employees, enabling them to become future leaders in the organization. Pace also provides mentoring and internship programs to attract and develop up and coming young talent of the future for the company.

“Pace Industries recently moved its global headquarters to the Metro Detroit area for better access to our customer and supply bases, and the engaged, experienced talent that Michigan has to offer,” said Donald Hampton Jr., CEO of Pace Industries. “The MEDC, Detroit Regional Partnership, city and county all provided support with the initial move and continue to work as valued partners as we expand our team.”

Pace Industries is the latest company to choose to locate headquarters in the state of Michigan. This expansion in Michigan will continue to strengthen the state’s automotive manufacturing sector with the company expected to grow rapidly as it captures more market share.

“We are pleased to welcome Pace Industries headquarters to Michigan as they create 64 new advanced manufacturing jobs and tap into a robust, highly skilled talent pool that stretches across all corners of the state,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President of the MEDC. “Today’s grand opening is yet another reminder that the ingenuity and innovation of our incredible business community here in Michigan remains unmatched. We appreciate the efforts of local partners in Novi to support this project and will work with Pace Industries as it continues to grow and add jobs for Michigan residents.”

The city of Novi is offering to assist the project by providing videography, marketing assistance and recruitment support. For information on careers with Pace Industries, visit https://paceind.com/careers/.

“The Detroit Region is one of the best places in North America to locate a headquarters because we have one of the world’s most sophisticated supply chains and the highly skilled talent that manufacturers need to innovate and stay globally competitive,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “The fact that our region has so many key decision-makers in automotive and mobility also gives us a major advantage.”

“Novi is a dynamic community on many fronts, from a magnet to businesses around the globe to being a sought-after, welcoming, diverse neighborhood that more than 65,000 residents call home,” said Novi Mayor Bob Gatt. “Now, the opportunity to host Pace Industries, once again, places Novi on the map as a leader in the business world and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the Novi family.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.