Michigan Delivers Progress with Innovative Clean Energy Investments

MEDC Communications

Friday, August 16, 2024

LuxWall and UL Solutions Open High-Tech Facilities, Creating Jobs for Michiganders and Advancing Innovation in Battery Testing and Energy-Efficient Glass

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Michigan continues to back its bold commitment to clean energy and innovation as two cutting-edge clean tech manufacturing and R&D facilities open their doors.

LuxWall's glass production facility in Litchfield and UL Solutions' battery testing lab in Auburn Hills highlight the success of Michigan's strategy to attract high-tech, sustainable industries and create opportunities for everyone to “Make It” in Michigan. The projects also support Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's MI Healthy Climate Plan, which aims for 100% clean energy production statewide by 2040.

“Michigan is serious about building on our manufacturing and leading the future of cars, chips, and clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “These announcements of cutting-edge facilities by LuxWall and UL Solutions will grow Michigan’s economy, nurture innovation, reinforce our automotive supply chains, and create hundreds of high-tech, good-paying jobs for Michiganders. We’ll keep working hard to deliver results for workers in Michigan and make our state the best place to invest in a bright future.”

“Michigan has always been a hub for dreamers and doers who push the boundaries of science and pioneer the innovations of the future,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The announcements by UL Solutions and LuxWall will solidify Michigan’s national leadership in the battery and clean energy race and help us continue to grow Michigan’s economy and strengthen our advanced manufacturing. Michigan has incredible advantages, from a high-skilled workforce to a strong automotive supply chain. We will keep working together to make Michigan the best place to develop, test, and commercialize ideas that change the world.”

Delivering on Promises: A Commitment to Michigan’s Future

As Michigan continues to be a hub for innovation, MEDC is focused on turning these investments into long-term economic growth and sustainability across the state.

These facilities are more than new buildings or jobs–they’re proof of Michigan’s leadership in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. By delivering on these deals, the state is creating immediate economic impact while building a foundation for an innovative, sustainable future. Michigan is clearly the destination for companies pushing the boundaries of clean technology, promising a brighter tomorrow for all Michiganders.

“UL Solutions and LuxWall have reached important milestones in their respective ‘Make It In Michigan’ journeys and we are grateful for their investments here. Winning such projects is proof of Team Michigan’s commitment to attracting and developing people and cultivating and revitalizing places across both peninsulas as part of the ‘Make It in Michigan’ strategy,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “We’re proud to continue working with these employment-creating opportunities for years to come and energized by the challenge to win more projects and celebrate similar milestone with more companies.”

LuxWall’s Glass Facility: A Window into the Clean Energy Revolution

On August 12, LuxWall, Inc. opened the world’s first high-volume vacuum-insulating glass production facility in Litchfield. The company, founded in Ypsilanti in 2016, chose to expand in Michigan over competing sites in neighboring states to keep its investments in its home state and Michigan’s pro-business environment and aggressive sustainability aims.

This groundbreaking facility is already making waves in the clean energy sector. With 87 workers currently employed, LuxWall is producing cutting-edge, energy-efficient windows for a growing customer base across North America and Europe. The $20 million Litchfield site represents merely the first phase of LuxWall’s ambitious plans. As part of a broader $165 million initiative, the company aims to create 450 jobs across Michigan, supported by $6 million in state grants and over $31 million in federal funding.

LuxWall’s expansion in Litchfield is the first phase of growth, with plans to evaluate Detroit for a second facility that will triple production capacity, strengthening Michigan’s role in clean energy and sustainable job creation.

UL Solutions Battery Lab: Leading R&D in Automotive and Clean Energy

On August 7, UL Solutions, a global leader in safety science, opened its state-of-the-art Battery Lab in Auburn Hills. This $104 million investment—the largest in UL’s history—will tap into Michigan’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge automotive and energy storage testing.

Supported by a $1.5 million Michigan Strategic Fund grant, the lab will serve as a testing facility to support battery manufacturers by increasing the safety and reliability of energy storage products, creating 61 high-wage jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000, and reinforcing Michigan’s leadership in these critical industries.

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.