U-M to Create $5.3M Advanced Mobility Supply Chain Transformation Center

The University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute in Ann Arbor, part of a team recently awarded $52.2 million in federal grants, plans to create a $5.3 million advanced mobility supply chain transformation center to support small and medium-sized manufacturers as they transition to the electric vehicle market.
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The University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute will use $5.3 million to create an advanced mobility supply chain transformation center designed to support manufacturers in the quickly evolving mobility market. // Stock Photo

The University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute in Ann Arbor, part of a team recently awarded $52.2 million in federal grants, plans to create a $5.3 million advanced mobility supply chain transformation center to support small and medium-sized manufacturers as they transition to the electric vehicle market.

It’s part of the Global Epicenter of Mobility, or GEM, and goes toward the institute’s work in helping the state’s manufacturers as they transition to serving the new mobility industry.

“The funds will support a new center, the Supply Chain Transformation Center. The funding is vital to making this program happen,” says Parker Finn, assistant director of the Economic Growth Institute.

“Bringing these resources to the region can help manufacturers invest in new technologies, develop their organization and plan for the future. This center, like many of our program models, will provide matching funds to businesses to help them address specific needs.”

The $52.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge will support five other projects submitted under the GEM initiative, designed to accelerate economic growth by building on the region’s mobility assets. GEM will create a smart, secure, sustainable, and inclusive advanced-mobility industry, starting with the transition to next-generation electric, autonomous, and fully connected vehicles.

Other co-recipients of the grant funding the six projects are Detroit Regional Partnership, the state of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, and TechTown.

The GEM Coalition was one of 21 awardees receiving grants between $25 million and $65 million to bolster economic transformation and competitiveness.

“The businesses we engage with are run by accomplished and capable people. There are challenges across the supply chain, but collaborative work, guidance, and planning can go a long way,” says Finn. “This kind of work can really make a difference, and it’s an important piece of the GEM initiative across the Detroit region.”