Governor Whitmer Announces Defense Company DCS Corporation Establishing Research and Development Center of Excellence in Sterling Heights, Creating 92 Jobs

• $4.3 million investment will bring new high-wage jobs to SE Michigan, further boosting Michigan’s advanced manufacturing and defense sectors • Project builds on Michigan leadership position in autonomous vehicle manufacturing, R&D

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that DCS Corporation, a provider of engineering and technical support services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other national security customers, is establishing a new Center of Excellence in Sterling Heights with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.  The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $4.3 million and create 92 well-paying jobs with the support of a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over a competing site in Massachusetts.

“This investment by DCS will help us continue Michigan’s economic growth and recovery,” said Governor Whitmer. “This new Center of Excellence will bring high-wage jobs to Southeast Michigan and further build on our leadership position in autonomous vehicle R&D and manufacturing. With the help of companies like DCS, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever.”
 
DCS Corporation, established in 1977, creates innovative technology solutions include artificial intelligence and machine learning; human systems engineering, modeling, and simulation; and mission planning. DCS currently has approximately 215 employees in Michigan.

In response to anticipated growth in the areas of power and mobility, autonomous systems, survivability, ground vehicle electronics architecture, and software engineering and integration at the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (CCDC GVSC) in Warren, DCS is expanding its operations to create a Ground Vehicle R&D Center of Excellence in a facility in the city of Sterling Heights. The new facility will house specialized laboratories, high bay space, and additional fabrication and machining capabilities.

“Congratulations to the team at DCS on your growth and success. We appreciate this continued vote of confidence in our talented workforce and R&D expertise here in Michigan,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners to bring these high-wage jobs to the area, and we look forward to working with DCS as it continues to grow in Michigan.” 

The project will continue to grow Michigan’s advanced manufacturing and defense sectors and will further bolster Michigan’s leadership position in autonomous and electric vehicle manufacturing. DCS provides on-the-job training to interns and recent college graduates and anticipates that the entry-level positions will be attractive to local university talent looking to remain in the area and grow their skills in the region after graduation.

“DCS is excited to build upon our more than three decades of innovative support to the Army TACOM and GVSC,” said DCS CEO Jim Benbow. “I have tremendous confidence that our growing cadre of engineers and scientists operating from this incredible new facility will continue this time-tested partnership in further advancing the state-of-the-art in ground vehicle technologies. We are grateful for the support we received from Governor Whitmer, the State of Michigan and the city of Sterling Heights in establishing this new facility.”

The city of Sterling Heights is prepared to offer marketing and recruitment assistance in support of the project.

“The fact that DCS has chosen Sterling Heights for the creation of this state-of-the-art research and design facility focused on the growing need for autonomous vehicle technology is a testament to our spirit of innovation coupled with our experienced talent who possess the perfect knowledge, skills and abilities for this type of work,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “The fact that Sterling Heights was chosen over a competing site in Massachusetts makes me incredibly proud of this community and what we have to offer advanced tech companies like DCS.”

Individuals interested in careers with DCS should visit https://careers.dcscorp.com/en-US/.

“Another anchor for Macomb County's mighty defense corridor is planted and we could not be more pleased,” said Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “This expansion is a testament to our region's capabilities and expertise in creating technologies and tools that advance national security. We are proud that DCS Corporation made the decision to invest in our community and thrilled that new, high-paying jobs will be created for our residents.”

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.