STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - A German-based military vehicle supplier announced plans to invest millions of dollars and add 150 new jobs in Macomb County.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) said on Tuesday it will expand Michigan's "advanced manufacturing and defense sectors and create opportunity for future investment in the state" by building a new North American headquarters facility in Sterling Heights.
The facility is expected to generate a minimum capital investment of $3 million and create more than 150 high-wage jobs, the company said on Tuesday.
In addition, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved $1.5 million business grant for the project -- officials said Michigan beat out other competing sites across the nation.
“We’re very grateful for all that MEDC has done to support our effort to grow our business here in Michigan,” said American Rheinmetall Vehicles Managing Director Matt Warnick said in a press release on Tuesday. “This new facility allows us a growth path that positions us to increase critical capacity and competition in the combat vehicle defense industrial base in Michigan and the U.S. as a whole.”
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ARV is an affiliate of Rheinmetall AG, with corporate offices based in Düsseldorf, Germany -- it specializes in the manufacturing and development of combat vehicle platforms that provide next-generation products to the U.S. Department of Defense, and federal and state law enforcement agencies
Rheinmetall AG employs approximately 25,000 people across the globe in over 130 locations.
ARV's existing Sterling Heights location has a staff 52 full-time employees with almost the same amount of contractors. The expansion will not only create news jobs, but also retain the company's existing employees.
“Sterling Heights continues to be a coveted destination for advanced manufacturing projects like ARV,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor in a press release. “Whether companies are expanding an existing facility or adding new capabilities to their portfolio, Sterling Heights continues to win over competing sites across the nation."
Taylor credits the city's reputation for being welcoming to new businesses and serving as a hub for customers and talent as reasons why industry projects continue to be successful.
"We look forward to many more exciting projects like ARV bringing desirable jobs and investing in our community," he said.
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