Gov. Whitmer Announces 40 High-Wage Jobs as Global Auto Supplier TÜV SÜD America Establishes State-of-the-Art EV Battery Testing Facility in Auburn Hills

$44.1 million investment will establish new facility that includes all aspects of EV battery testing, create high-wage jobs, and build on Michigan's leadership in mobility and electrification sector

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today to announce that TÜV SÜD America, a provider of testing and safety solutions to industries including automotive, mobility and manufacturing, is establishing a new state-of-the-art electric vehicle battery testing facility in Auburn Hills with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which is expected to create 40 high-wage jobs  

“This investment by TÜV SÜD will create 40 good-paying jobs in a critical industry in Southeast Michigan as we work to grow the state’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and secure a strong future for our automotive and mobility workforce,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This new facility will build on our reputation as a leader in the future of mobility and electrification. With the help of companies like TÜV SÜD, we can build back our state’s economy stronger than ever.”

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $44.1 million and create up to 40 high-wage jobs with the support of a $240,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project over a competing site in Indiana.

 TÜV SÜD America, Inc. provides testing, inspection, certification, training, consulting, and technical services to a variety of industries, including automotive and mobility, commercial, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. The company is a subsidiary of Munich-based TÜV SÜD AG, and currently has Michigan locations in Auburn Hills and Plymouth. Germany continues to be one of the top countries driving foreign direct investment in the state of Michigan.

TÜV SÜD has long been supporting the automotive industry from its operations in Michigan, supplying EV battery testing, EMC testing, and environmental testing. With the quick expansion in the North American EV market, TÜV SÜD is experiencing increased demand for its services and plans to expand its battery testing capabilities in Michigan.

The company will construct a new state-of-the-art EV battery development testing facility in Auburn Hills that will include laboratory space and will incorporate all aspects of EV battery testing.

“TÜV SÜD is excited about the investment in expanding our capabilities and capacity in serving the automotive sector’s need for world-class, independent third-party product testing and homologation needs. We look forward to continuing to aid in the testing, development and validation of the EV battery market in support of our OEM and Tier 1 partners,” said TÜV SÜD Head of Transportation Testing in North America Jonathan Drew. “The State of Michigan, the MEDC and the city of Auburn Hills have all been excellent supporters of TÜV SÜD as we investigated and selected a site for our state-of-the-art lab in Auburn Hills.”

The project will further boost Michigan‘s efforts to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. In addition, the company’s goal is to empower employees to learn new skills and grow professionally at every stage of their career. The project will solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state, and will also bring a significant expansion of battery technology to Michigan.

“Congratulations to the team at TÜV SÜD on your growth and success. We appreciate this continued vote of confidence in our talented workforce and leadership position in electric vehicle manufacturing 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. We look forward to welcoming more companies like TÜV SÜD to Michigan and presenting all the competitive advantages of Pure Opportunity to companies across the globe.”

The city of Auburn Hills has offered a property tax abatement in support of the project, and the Michigan Strategic Fund has also approved a State Education Tax abatement to the company.

“I’m so grateful that TÜV SÜD has not only decided to stay in Auburn Hills, but expand its EV battery testing facility in the city. The company’s commitment to Oakland County strengthens our manufacturing and advanced technology base,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The expansion also enhances one of our key priorities: creating and promoting technology that will fuel the next generation of environmentally friendly vehicles, consumer products and energy plants.”

“Adding this R&D and battery testing facility in Southeast Michigan serves as a strong testament to our innovative ecosystem and highly skilled talent,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “If you want to compete in automotive and mobility you need to have a presence in the Detroit Region. This new facility will help further Michigan’s global leadership as the epicenter for auto-mobility technology and advancement, and positions TÜV SÜD for unique growth opportunities in the North American market.”

For information on careers with TÜV SÜD, visit here.

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.