AGP Executive Report

Auto Manufacturing & AI: A new report says AI and robotics could push “dark” auto factories closer to reality, raising pressure on Detroit automakers to match China’s automation pace. Workforce & Training: Ford CEO Jim Farley warned at an Accelerate forum that skilled trades shortages are worsening, even as the company leans on AI and automation. Energy & Grid Costs: Tariffs on Canadian power could raise costs, emissions, and grid risks, with Michigan among the states tied to cross-border electricity flows. Data Centers & Rates: An Illinois study projects $57B in new data center investment could create 121,000 jobs, but critics warn energy demand could hit utility bills and ratepayers. Michigan Health Tech: Michigan Contact Lens opened a dedicated severe dry-eye center in Southfield, expanding services under 1-800-DRY-EYES. Local Business Growth: Mona raised $3.5M to expand its AI platform helping small businesses find capital and get coaching, with traction including Detroit. Environmental & PFAS: Michigan communities continue debating PFAS risk, including scrutiny of biosolids spreading plans tied to state limits.

Skilled Trades Push: Ford CEO Jim Farley warned at Michigan Central that the U.S. must fill 1.7 million skilled trades jobs each year, as training lags and a big share of workers are nearing retirement. Auto Turnaround Watch: Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the Jeep/Ram maker sees growth in small pickups and sub-$40,000 models as it targets profit next year and cash-flow goals by 2028. Workforce Shift in West Michigan: A Grand Rapids-area report finds AI skills are surging in job postings, with AI-related requirements up sharply from 2025 to 2026. Medical Isotope Expansion: Niowave is building an $85M, 80,000-square-foot facility in Clinton County to expand production of cancer-fighting radioisotopes. Food Safety: USDA recalled 2,000+ pounds of frozen pork sausage links after customers reported hard plastic contamination. Local Growth: Mount Clemens highlighted major downtown investment and redevelopment momentum in its State of the City address. Energy & Environment: EGLE and the Northwest Michigan Health Department updated residents on a decades-old underground TCE pollution plume moving west from Mancelona.

Auto Supply Chain: Ford says a supplier issue that halted F-150 production at a Detroit-area plant has been fixed, but the disruption still hit third-quarter wholesale numbers. Manufacturing Modernization: U.S. Steel accepted delivery of a $28.3M fiber-optic laser welder for Great Lakes Works in Ecorse, aimed at boosting advanced high-strength steel output. Workforce Training: Gogebic Community College won a $476,496 grant to expand advanced manufacturing training in the western U.P., including a lab at Trident Maritime Systems. Battery & Industrial Tech: C-BATT will showcase its U.S.-made Obsidia™ battery material at The Battery Show in Detroit, opening first-time sample requests to attendees; Inbolt raised $12.5M to expand real-time vision for industrial robots, including into data centers and electronics manufacturing. Energy & Environment: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured Michigan PFAS research and the Kalamazoo River Superfund dredging, with dredging expected to finish in 2026. Food Safety: FDA assigned a Class I recall to Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing in three states over possible Salmonella; USDA also flagged foreign plastic contamination in Fontanini raw pork sausage shipped to Michigan. Consumer Mood: Conference Board consumer confidence fell to the lowest level since 2014 amid energy and inflation worries.

Industrial Decarbonization: EGLE awarded $1.88M for five Michigan studies on cutting emissions in manufacturing and building systems, including projects at Bell’s Brewery, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, and Michigan Tech’s low-carbon cement work with Amrize. Food Safety: USDA recalled 2,300+ pounds of breakfast sausage over possible clear hard plastic contamination shipped to distributors including Michigan. Public Health Research: Wayne State won a $5.7M NIH grant to study why some lean people develop insulin resistance, focusing on skeletal muscle molecular changes. Cannabis Compliance: Michigan regulators revoked 20 grower licenses and fined GP Holdings $2M after it shipped dirt/mulch while labeling it as marijuana flower. Environmental Cleanup: After the East Jordan Plastics fire in South Haven, the EPA found no lasting elevated harmful chemicals; EGLE will oversee remaining cleanup, including potential contaminated water. Auto Industry: Ford CEO Jim Farley urged caution on Chinese automakers entering the U.S., citing Europe’s struggles; he also pointed to Ford’s selective partnerships. Consumer Pressure: Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low, with inflation and job anxiety weighing on shoppers.

Consumer & Housing Pressure: The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September, the lowest in four months, as inflation worries and weaker personal-finance expectations weighed on shoppers. Local Housing Data: S&P Case-Shiller showed July home prices up 1.9% nationally, but Detroit’s July update was delayed, keeping the Midwest picture uneven. Michigan Agriculture Safety: Livingston County fire and rescue crews completed grain bin rescue training in Howell, funded through the Livingston County Farm Bureau and the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture. Cannabis Insurance: Nine insurance groups backed Michigan-Ohio “CLAIM Act” legislation to reduce federal penalties risk for insurers serving state-legal marijuana businesses. Food Safety: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of certain raw-milk cheeses tied to a multistate E. coli outbreak that includes Michigan. Energy & Materials Watch: Tungsten concentrate prices have roughly tripled since January, while U.S. cement demand stayed flat in May. Industrial/Tech Talent: Michigan’s College for Creative Studies launched new degrees aimed at business for creative industries and human-centered robotics design.

Industrial Decarbonization Funding: Michigan EGLE announced nearly $1.9M in grants for industrial decarbonization studies and launched the Michigan Industrial Clean Innovation Partnership to help manufacturers cut emissions and energy costs with site-specific planning and peer support. Energy Policy & Rates: Michigan AG Dana Nessel pushed back on federal orders keeping Consumers Energy’s JH Campbell coal plant open, arguing the move drives up bills and conflicts with the utility’s own transition plan. Local Data Center Rules: Saginaw City Council approved a data center ordinance after a 2026 moratorium, aiming to balance growth with land-use compatibility and environmental protections. Solar Development Debate: Clinton County residents revisited a proposed 150-megawatt RWE solar farm as the company withdrew and plans a near-identical refiling with a smaller footprint. Industrial Safety & Cleanup: A major East Jordan Plastics fire in South Haven triggered a power shutdown and cleanup and environmental testing, with the cause still under investigation. Food Supply Alerts: FDA recalled certain raw milk cheeses tied to an E. coli outbreak that included Michigan, and USDA issued a Class I recall for breakfast sausage potentially contaminated with hard plastic. Transportation & Infrastructure: MDOT scheduled M-58 intersection closures in Saginaw for reconstruction work, with traffic detours in place. Home Energy Assistance: Michigan Treasury reminded residents the Home Heating Credit application deadline is Sept. 30.

Advanced Manufacturing & Defense: Salient Motion launched Saginaw Precision to manufacture precision ball screws and roller screws for aerospace, defense, and robotics, aiming to rebuild U.S. capability and cut custom prototype lead times to about eight weeks. Energy & Utilities: DTE plans to upgrade Fermi 2 and build two new natural gas plants, with one possibly in Milan, while expanding renewables to meet rising electricity demand. Workplace & Logistics: The EEOC sued Davis Cartage, alleging its logistics president sexually harassed female employees and the company failed to stop it. EV Charging: RED E Charge in Detroit rolled out RED E GO, letting drivers start charging and pay without app steps like QR scans. Business Growth: Adherex Group announced it’s acquiring Polymer Packaging, keeping Polymer’s teams in North Canton and Allendale, expanding flexible and protective packaging capacity. Local Industry Spotlight: Wolverine Construction named Nolan Spencer president, with Curt Mulder shifting to CEO focus on growth and major opportunities. Tech & Policy: Michigan regulators want to restrain utilities’ bias toward costly new power plants. Manufacturing & Environment: Duperon launched SmartWave for septage receiving and a Gen 4 washer compactor to improve screening reliability and reduce maintenance.

Industrial Fire Response: Cleanup and air monitoring continue after a massive fire at East Jordan Plastics in South Haven, with the EPA reporting no elevated particulate matter or volatile organic compounds and EGLE taking over remaining response actions. Energy & Grid Reliability: New research suggests small nuclear reactors may pencil out first for factories needing steady heat, power, and clean hydrogen—an early market that could matter for Michigan manufacturers. Battery Supply Chain: GM is looking at sodium-ion batteries for domestic stationary storage, aiming to reduce reliance on China-linked supply chains. Data Center Governance: A bipartisan push in Congress would ban secret data center deals by blocking NDAs, with Michigan’s Tom Barrett co-sponsoring. Mining & Permitting: Residents get a chance to weigh in on EPA permits for Michigan Potash to inject non-hazardous salt water about 4,000 feet underground, with a public hearing set for Sept. 29. Infrastructure Safety: Michigan lawmakers are advancing bipartisan dam safety legislation tied to more inspections, stronger emergency plans, and state authority to respond to unsafe dams.

Data Center Rules Take Center Stage: Saginaw City Council is set to vote on a detailed ordinance for future AI data centers—covering where they can go, noise, water and power demands, and who pays for infrastructure upgrades—amid growing local skepticism about costs and community pushback. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show spotty but notable low-price pockets across Michigan, including Emmet County regular at $4.35 and Lake County premium at $5.03 for the week ending Sept. 19. Chemistry for Cleaner Water: University of Michigan researchers say a plant-inspired catalyst can convert stubborn nitrate pollution into ammonia, pointing toward a fertilizer-linked way to tackle runoff-driven contamination. Public Health Pressure: Michigan school vaccine exemption waivers rose to 7.1% in 2025, the highest in a decade, raising concerns about future outbreaks. Energy Policy Fight: A federal appeals court dispute has led the U.S. Energy Department to order coal plants to stay available longer, including actions tied to Michigan’s J.H. Campbell case. Auto Security Move: Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno say a bill to ban certain Chinese-connected vehicles is close to passage, though it fell short of unanimous support.

Auto Policy Shock: Trump says he approved new fuel-economy standards that end the Biden-era EV mandate, promising lower prices and more Michigan auto investment—while critics warn the shift could mean higher fuel use and emissions. Data Center Pushback: Michigan towns and residents keep pressing for clearer rules as local planning commissions draft data-center ordinances and polls show many neighbors want tighter oversight. Energy Reliability Fight: The U.S. Energy Department keeps ordering aging coal plants to stay available after a court challenge over emergency authority, keeping reliability and cost debates front and center. Food Safety: An E. coli outbreak tied to raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people across multiple states, prompting recalls and ongoing FDA/CDC investigation. Michigan Business & Retail: The Michigan House declared Oct. 2–4 “Buy Nearby Weekend” to steer holiday spending to local retailers. Diesel Squeeze: Diesel prices are climbing fast in Michigan, forcing trucking and farm operators to raise surcharges or prices. Local Industry Spotlight: A new pet center opened in St. Joseph County, expanding services like spay/neuter clinics and indoor play during winter.

Trade & Consumer Impact: A new Trump order will ban a range of Canadian imports starting Sept. 29, with experts warning Michigan shoppers could feel it through higher prices and fewer familiar brands. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Michigan fuel remains volatile: Chippewa regular hit $4.35 (lowest in county) and Wayne E85 hit $2.59 (lowest), while diesel in Leelanau County bottomed at $6.29. Food Safety: Graziers raw milk cheese tied to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 13 people in nine states is under recall; federal health officials urge families to check both refrigerators and freezers because the products can last a long time. Defense & Manufacturing: Auburn Hills-based Swarm Defense Technologies won a prototype order for 4,000 Kiwi one-way attack drones (at least $25M), underscoring Michigan’s role in defense production. Local Culture & Tourism: ArtPrize 2026 runs through Oct. 3 in Grand Rapids, featuring major works like a 21-foot driftwood dragon. Energy Infrastructure: AEP plans a large Indiana natural gas facility (about 1,520 MW), with construction steps targeted for 2027-2029.

Industrial Fire & Power Disruption (South Haven): A major blaze at East Jordan Plastics shut down local electrical infrastructure, triggering widespread outages and canceling South Haven homecoming events; officials say EGLE and the EPA were notified and the cause is still under investigation. Food Safety (Michigan dairy): The FDA and CDC are investigating an E. coli O26:H11 outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese, with cases reported in Michigan and nine other states; the company agreed to a recall after FDA contact. Consumer Protection (Rent payments): Michigan’s new law requires landlords to offer at least one fee-free way to pay rent, aiming to cut renter costs. Energy & Grid Policy (Michigan politics): A Michigan state House race highlights grid reliability as a campaign theme, including support for keeping natural gas “RICE” generators operating through 2049. Business/Industry (Masco leadership): Masco Chairman Emeritus Richard Manoogian died at 90, marking the passing of a longtime leader behind decades of home-improvement growth. Market Pulse (Michigan-linked economy): Stocks rose as oil eased and consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September, with inflation expectations climbing—pressuring households and Michigan’s cost-sensitive industries.

Consumer & Housing Costs: University of Michigan consumer sentiment fell to a four-month low (48.1) as inflation expectations jumped, while Michigan homebuyers face another squeeze with 30-year mortgage rates topping 7% and median prices still up year over year. Energy Prices: Gas prices stayed volatile across Michigan and the Midwest, with GasBuddy reporting Michigan averages rising week to week and local lows for regular, midgrade, and E15. Local Economic Transition Funding: Michigan’s Community and Worker Economic Transition Office awarded $1M to 10 communities via its Economic Transition Fund to build career pathways, infrastructure, and resilience for regions facing industry change. Agriculture & Food Systems: Dairy producers are racing to catch up after cottage cheese demand surged, while Michigan ag policy discussions continued at MSU with former Sen. Debbie Stabenow urging restored SNAP and stronger Farm Bill support. Nuclear & Energy Policy: A restart at Palisades Nuclear shows how federal review and financing are being reused to bring shuttered plants back online. Legal/Regulatory: A federal judge dismissed Michigan’s case against oil companies, and Michigan lawmakers advanced tougher criminal sexual conduct penalties.

Michigan Politics & Utilities: Proposal 2 would bar regulated utilities (like DTE and Consumers) and large government contractors from making campaign contributions, after MOP UP Michigan gathered 560,000+ signatures. STEM & Workforce: GM is putting $1.5M more into Michigan hands-on STEM through MiSTEM Network and MTEC SmartZone, bringing total support to $2.5M. Aviation Infrastructure: MBS International Airport will expand its snow removal equipment facility with a groundbreak Oct. 1 to improve winter operations and storage. Campus AI Governance: Western Michigan’s student government held a forum on BusterBot, with officials addressing concerns about privacy, energy use, and transparency. Auto Supply Transition: Automation Alley and MEDC-backed MAST-P offers free support for small Michigan auto manufacturers (under 10 employees) to pivot into growth areas like EVs. Data Centers & Power Costs: DTE’s long-term plan faces scrutiny over whether data centers drive new generation needs; critics want clearer modeling. Recycling Gains: Flint and Bay City report big jumps in curbside recycling after cart rollouts, as Michigan’s statewide recycling rate hits 26%. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Michigan premium and E85 prices vary sharply by county, reflecting ongoing fuel market volatility.

Grid & Power Infrastructure: ITC Michigan will hold October open houses for its proposed Copperton Projects, adding about 254 miles of 345-kilovolt transmission lines across central and western Michigan, with sessions running Oct. 5–22 to review preliminary route options. Energy Policy & Courts: A federal judge dismissed Michigan AG Dana Nessel’s antitrust case accusing major oil companies of suppressing renewables, saying the link to alleged energy overcharges was too indirect. Auto Industry: Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda was inducted into Detroit’s Automotive Hall of Fame, highlighting leadership during quality and trust rebuild efforts. Food & Agriculture: Chobani is pushing expansion across high-protein dairy and coffee, including a $1.2B manufacturing hub plan to support dairy, coffee, and ready-to-enjoy foods. Life Sciences & Manufacturing: Syntheia Labs signed a lease to join TSRLabs’ Ann Arbor headquarters, aiming to advance preclinical CRO services. Industrial Growth: Lee Contracting will add machining capacity in Holland by leasing space and buying 18 machines from BuhlerPrince. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports Michigan regular gas averaging about $4.65 per gallon in the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows ranging from $4.14 (Grand Traverse) to $4.19 (Tuscola).

Mackinac Bridge Crash: Michigan State Police charged a 28-year-old Jamaican man with reckless driving causing serious impairment after a pre-dawn, two-vehicle crash sent four people to the hospital; investigators allege multiple vehicles sped through toll booths and that speed and alcohol were factors. Data Center Backlash: A new wave of political pressure is building around AI data centers, with Michigan Democrats and voters increasingly pushing for rules as community concerns and arrests over local impacts spill into the midterms. Water Infrastructure Need: A Great Lakes Water Authority report says Michigan may need up to $85B over 20 years for water and wastewater upgrades, warning that aging pipes and recent main breaks are already disrupting schools and homes. Housing Pipeline in Berrien: Developers are planning more than $269M in new housing across Berrien County, using state incentives and brownfield tax deals to move projects from former sites into new units. Local Business & Consumer Pressure: WalletHub finds Detroit among the least affordable cities for fast-food staples, highlighting how higher restaurant prices are hitting household budgets. Recreation & Outdoors: The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is promoted as a one-stop tool for licenses, regulations, and reporting harvests, alongside a weekly fishing report.