Downriver Today

UTAC USA Managing Director Dustin Harrison had high praise for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is prioritizing investment in EVs in the state of Michigan. 

"The decision to expand our test and systems build facilities to include Electrified Vehicle powertrain testing reaffirms our commitment to this rapidly growing industry," Harrison said in a recent press release from the governor’s office.

Last week, Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce two business expansions, which are expected to create over 180 high-paying jobs in the state. The expansions have already been approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund and are expected to boost Michigan's status as a global leader in auto manufacturing. 

"UTAC will play an integral role in the EV testing industry and will create high-tech, quality jobs in our community for the electrified future,” Harrison said in the release. "Our bespoke designed powertrain and battery test systems will be able to support design validation, controls calibration, and replicate the performance of full-scale production according to our customers’ unique specifications. Globally UTAC provides end to end vehicle validation at all levels. We look forward to advancing the sustainable future in Michigan and beyond.”

UTAC is formerly known as Millbrook Revolutionary Engineering Inc. and provides automotive testing services. The company is world-renowned for its knowledge and experience in automotive testing and is considered the gold standard of testing companies by many. 

To meet growing demand in the EV industry, UTAC is expanding its existing facility in the Charter Township of Redford to now include a testing facility. There, it will perform a variety of tests and serve as the company's headquarters in the U.S. 

“Today’s projects reinforce our commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders by highlighting the continued strength of our state’s talented workforce and our leadership positions in advanced manufacturing and an electrified mobility future,” Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC, said in the release. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program, which was critical to bringing these efforts to life here in the state. These projects reflect our commitment to seizing opportunities that ensure Michigan becomes an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures.”

“Today’s investments will create 184 jobs and help us continue growing our economy,” Whitmer said in the release. “Since I took office, we’ve added 21,600 auto jobs and today’s projects will keep building on that progress. These investments are possible because we worked side by side last December to enact historic, bipartisan economic development legislation that has empowered us to compete for more dollars and jobs, including the $7 billion investment from GM we landed in January. We will continue building on our leadership in mobility and electrification solutions by supporting business growth in our communities. Our economy is growing and thanks to projects like these, we will keep moving Michigan forward.”