SOUTHFIELD–The Ireland-based power management manufacturer Eaton Corp. announced its eMobility business won a $600,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Jobs Ready Michigan Program to invest in three of its sites within the state.
The funds will be used at Eaton’s Marshall, Southfield and Canton Township campuses to expand the testing and research and development of electric vehicles.
“Michigan is a global leader in the future of mobility and high-tech innovation, and we are very pleased to receive funding from the state on this project,” said Mark Schneider, president of Eaton eMobility. “Support from the grant will allow us to accelerate plans to expand our eMobility capabilities within Michigan. It is a testament to the importance of the state to the automotive industry that it was chosen for the project over competing sites in the U.S. and abroad.”
With the help of the grant, Eaton plans to expand its campus in Marshall to include a new lab for conducting development, environmental, validation and durability testing for a wide range of EV components, including power electronics, battery protection systems, terminals, connectors, inverters, converters, and power distribution systems.
“We are also preparing to add 100 high-wage jobs in Michigan focused on electrification research, which will include a mix of new hires and legacy employees transitioning to electrified vehicles across our Michigan locations,” Schneider said.
Eaton officials say they’re continuing to explore further expansion and investment opportunities in Michigan in the coming years, including the addition of proving grounds test space geared towards autonomous vehicle, electric vehicle and alternative fuel testing; updated test equipment focused on e-axle, e-gearing, e-transmission and e-differentials for the ePowertrain business; additional on-site charging stations; solar farms for sustainability and demand reduction on current infrastructure; and aligning opportunities at Eaton Aerospace facilities.
More about Eaton’s eMobility businesses at https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/products/emobility.html.
Founded in 1911, Eaton is marking its 100th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company reported revenues of $20.8 billion in 2022 and serves customers in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
In the photo above, Matt Pieczko, engineering manager of the noise, vibration, and harshness area of Eaton eMobility, tests a battery disconnect unit. (Photo: Business Wire)