DEKRA announces $22.8 million investment to establish Automotive Test Center of Excellence in Michigan

The Germany-based company’s investment will build on the state’s leadership in the electrification of the automotive industry

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and German mobility testing company DEKRA to announce a $22.8 million investment to establish its Automotive Test Center of Excellence in Plymouth, which will focus on testing the latest technologies for the electrification of mobility, automotive communications technology, and cybersecurity. The announcement was made at this week’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C.  

“We are thrilled to welcome DEKRA and their Automotive Test Center of Excellence to Michigan, building on our mobility leadership and creating 18 good-paying, high-skill jobs in Plymouth,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have announced 38,000 auto jobs up and down the supply chain, shoring up our strong position as the top state for automotive manufacturing. Let’s continue our comprehensive economic development strategy to win projects, invest in places, and support people to ensure everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”  

In 2023, the MEDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BW-I to encourage investment and trade between the two regions during the governor’s mission to Germany and France in June 2023. 

The Automotive Test Center of Excellence will launch test services for the latest technologies to support the transition to electric mobility, working in close collaboration with the automotive manufacturing and supplier ecosystem. Testing services include Electromagnetic Compatibility testing, EV battery testing, EV charging testing, cybersecurity, and environmental testing. In its initial phase, the project will create 18 qualified new jobs, including test technicians and engineers. 

Established in 1925 to ensure road safety with the rapid development of mobility, DEKRA has grown its testing expertise over the last century to support the transformation to electric mobility. In 2023, DEKRA established its presence in Michigan with the acquisition of Weiss Technik environmental laboratories. The company is purchasing a building in Plymouth that will serve as the new testing center, which supports the state’s work to position Michigan as the global leader in future mobility and vehicle electrification, with a focus on sustainability that aligns with the state’s goals for carbon neutrality. 

"DEKRA has been at the forefront of automotive safety and innovation for nearly a century, and we are proud to extend this heritage to Michigan, with the support of Governor Whitmer and MEDC, for which we are grateful,” said John Tesoro, president of DEKRA Americas. “Our new Automotive Test Center of Excellence in Michigan will be a beacon of advancements in electric mobility, reflecting our dedication to safety, sustainability, and the rich automotive culture of the region." 

“I am excited to see companies investing in Plymouth’s workforce and bringing new jobs and opportunities for economic growth to our community,” said state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “Plymouth is a destination for businesses to invest and for parents to raise their children. These new jobs will ensure we continue to be a destination for families and job creators alike.” 

“We are grateful for DEKRA’s vote of confidence in Michigan!  This project is further tangible proof of not only SelectUSA’s importance but also the global resonance of Team Michigan’s unrivaled leadership in mobility innovation and strong business environment,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “We are proud that DEKRA has decided to ‘Make It in Michigan’ with their new Automotive Test Center of Excellence. While work remains, we are excited that our economic development strategy’s focus on People, Places, and Projects continues to yield results for Michiganders.” 

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.