American Rheinmetall Announces $31.7 Million Investment in Michigan

Auburn Hills, Michigan, September 11, 2025

News Summary

American Rheinmetall has unveiled a $31.7 million investment in Auburn Hills, Michigan, aimed at creating 450 new jobs. This strategic move will see the company’s headquarters established in Auburn Hills, consolidating operations from Troy and Sterling Heights. The investment reflects American Rheinmetall’s commitment to enhancing manufacturing capabilities and supporting defense programs, including its participation in the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle project.

Auburn Hills, Michigan – American Rheinmetall has announced a substantial investment of $31.7 million in Michigan, projected to create 450 new jobs as the company expands its operations in the state. This investment underscores American Rheinmetall’s commitment to enhancing its manufacturing capacity and supporting various defense programs.

The company, which is headquartered in Sterling Heights, specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced tracked and wheeled military vehicles along with subsystems and components for both defense and commercial markets. The strategic investment will allow American Rheinmetall to establish a new headquarters facility in Auburn Hills, which will consolidate operations from its existing locations in Troy and Sterling Heights.

This move will not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance engineering, prototyping, and technical capabilities to support upcoming contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense. American Rheinmetall is already playing a pivotal role in modernizing U.S. military capabilities through its participation in the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program, which aims to replace the aging M2 Bradley vehicles.

In 2024, the company expanded its operational capabilities by acquiring Loc Performance Products, a Michigan-based manufacturer of military vehicle components and rubber track products. This acquisition, combined with the new investment, positions American Rheinmetall for significant growth in production at its current facilities in Plymouth, Lapeer, and Lansing as new products and contracts are launched.

The new jobs created by this investment will encompass both skilled and unskilled labor, contributing positively to the local economy and labor market. The move has garnered support from various local and state officials. The Governor of Michigan has expressed her enthusiasm regarding this investment, noting that it strongly aligns with the state’s commitment to revitalize its manufacturing sector and attract well-paying jobs.

American Rheinmetall had evaluated eight other states before selecting Michigan for this investment, focusing heavily on the availability of a qualified workforce and suitable site locations as key determinants. The Mayor of Auburn Hills praised the decision to invest in his city, describing it as a vote of confidence in the local community and its potential for future economic development.

This latest investment not only reinforces American Rheinmetall’s existing operations but also expands its role in the international defense manufacturing landscape, showcasing Michigan’s leadership in the defense industry.

Key Investment Highlights

• Investment Amount: $31.7 million
• New Jobs Created: 450
• New Headquarters Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan
• Consolidation of Operations: From Troy and Sterling Heights
• Role in Defense: Participation in the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program
• Future Production Growth: Expected increase at facilities in Plymouth, Lapeer, and Lansing

Background Context

American Rheinmetall’s investment reflects a larger trend towards bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the defense sector, which is vital for national security. The company is well-positioned as a leader in the market, continuously evolving to meet the needs of the U.S. military. Economic development efforts in Michigan are proving effective, as demonstrated by American Rheinmetall’s decision to invest in the state over competing locations.

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

American Rheinmetall Invests $31.7 Million in Auburn Hills
American Rheinmetall Invests $31.7 Million in Auburn Hills

Additional Resources

• CBS News
• Crain’s Detroit Business
• Detroit News
• MLive
• Design & Development Today
• Wikipedia: Defense industry
• Google Search: American Rheinmetall
• Google Scholar: American Rheinmetall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Defense industry
• Google News: American Rheinmetall

Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER

The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.