Labor unions eye ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for new jobs in Genesee County

Local labor unions are throwing their support behind a forthcoming redevelopment project in Genesee County that’s expected to create thousands of new, high-wage manufacturing jobs.

State lawmakers in June approved $250 million in grant funding to support the project—known as the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County—which involves the redevelopment of about 1,200 acres of land in rural Mundy Township into what local officials hope will become a new, $2 billion manufacturing operation that employs at least 2,000 people.

The plans aren’t final, as local economic development officials are still reportedly buying up land and scouting around for a big-name automotive parts manufacturer, or another other “high-tech” company—potentially in the engineering and robotics industries—that could use the space.

But with the prospect of a big boost to the economy on the horizon, labor unions have joined several other local leaders and community members in signing a letter of support for the project—and the promise of a stronger local economy—as the plans inch closer to reality.

“We support efforts by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and local and state leaders to attract an advanced manufacturer to our region because it will create thousands of local jobs, spark investment, and create opportunities for young people right here in Genesee County,” the letter reads. “The Advanced Manufacturing District in Mundy Township represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create thousands of local jobs after decades of job losses, disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued high prices due to lingering inflation.”

Among the labor unions that have signed the letter of support within the last two months:

• Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union, Local 2
• Genesee, Lapeer & Shiawassee Building Trades Council 
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, Local 7 
• Teamsters, Local 332
• United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 370

Beyond the prospect of new jobs, the letter also cites the potential benefits of more tax revenue for schools, roads, and public safety, as well as a broader, ripple effect that 2,000 more workers would bring to the local economy—including some extra foot traffic at local small businesses.

“It will also help bring the supply chain back to the US allowing us to compete with other states and other countries,” the letter of support reads. “We support creating opportunities for young people and future generations to find local jobs, so they aren’t forced to move away to find jobs.”

Economic development officials have said that the forthcoming project—and the new jobs—will help to ignite a manufacturing comeback for the Flint region, which has seen a decades-long economic decline that’s only been exacerbated by the water crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

The land in Mundy Township is the state’s most development-ready, large-scale site after Ford took land in Marshall for an electric vehicle battery plant and plans for a megasite in Eagle Township near Lansing were shelved due to local opposition, reports Crain’s Detroit Business.

In part because of the property’s proximity to the Motor City and other major manufacturers, officials have said the site also “has everything an advanced manufacturer would need to thrive”—including access to highways, railroads, and the nearby Bishop International Airport.

This state funding for the project comes from the state’s Strategic Site Readiness Program, which provides grants, loans, and other assistance to help prepare land for redevelopment, attract investments from big-name companies, and ultimately create more jobs.

The project also received $9.2 million in state support through the program this spring, which state officials have said helped enable the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance to “maintain control over the existing parcels of land” and “further bolster their capacity to attract investment” in the area. That cash can also be used to buy more adjacent land and develop infrastructure.