Torc, a Virginia-based pioneer in commercializing self-driving class 8 trucks, is establishing a new engineering center in Ann Arbor as it continues its path toward commercialization in 2027.
The expansion is designed to accelerate the company’s efforts by tapping into southeast Michigan’s automotive and technology talent pool.
Torc says it worked closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to secure incentives to support the expansion into Michigan, as it plans “significant” hiring to grow its team and technical talent capabilities.
The Ann Arbor site is expected to help drive critical product milestones. A diverse range of engineering roles will be based in the office, including expertise in machine learning, software, hardware, and systems engineering, alongside positions in product engineering, safety, and other key functions.
“This strategic location is a natural fit for Torc as we continue to advance our autonomous technology,” says Jamie Swaim, chief people officer at Torc. “Ann Arbor’s proximity to the Detroit automotive industry and a wealth of high-tech talent, combined with the exceptional concentration of high-caliber universities and colleges, makes it an ideal environment for our growth and productization strategy. This new center will complement the strong engineering talent we already have across the nation.”
The new office, located in northeast Ann Arbor, will encompass approximately 32,000 square feet and will feature multiple collaboration spaces and hardware in the loop labs.
“We are pleased to support the continued growth and expansion of Torc, whose project is a testament to the strength of our state’s mobility industry and Michiganders’ superior skills,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “My congratulations and gratitude to Torc. We are honored to earn this investment. We look forward to celebrating your future success and that of the people, places, and projects who will benefit from your presence in the great state of Michigan.”
In addition to its new Ann Arbor facility, Torc’s headquarters is in Blacksburg, Va. and has engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Montreal, Canada, as well as a fleet operations facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
For more information on Torc, visit www.torc.ai.
