Whitmer announces 40 jobs in Adrian; Trump administration claims credit

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

An announcement from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday about a manufacturing expansion in Lenawee County quickly drew a response from the Trump administration over who deserves credit for the growth.

Whitmer said the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved support for Adrian Steel Co. to expand its operations in Adrian, a project totaling $43.4 million in capital investment and expected to bring 40 jobs to the Southeast Michigan community.

“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in industries like steel manufacturing,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Today’s announcement will create 40 good-paying jobs and cement Michigan as the best place to build the future.”

The White House issued a response on Tuesday to the announcement, targeting Democrats and crediting President Donald Trump’s economic policies for manufacturing gains.

“Democrats like Gretchen Whitmer spent decades talking about fixing broken trade deals and creating manufacturing jobs here in America for American workers,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. “President Trump is actually delivering – and he’s delivering with the same agenda of tariffs, deregulation, and tax cuts that Whitmer and Democrats have spent months criticizing.”

The project includes a 112,000-square-feet addition to the company’s existing facility, aimed at increasing production capacity and supporting operations such as welding, assembly and shipping. The expansion is expected to take the next five years.

Local leaders praised the expansion, citing its impact on the regional economy and workforce.

“The City of Adrian recognizes Adrian Steel Company as a valued and longstanding community partner,” said Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, community development director for the City of Adrian. “For generations, Adrian has invested in our community, provided quality employment opportunities for our residents, and contributed to the economic strength and stability of our city.”

The investment marks Adrian Steel’s largest in Michigan since 1953, according to the governor’s office, and adds to ongoing efforts by state officials to grow the manufacturing sector.

The project is being supported by a $320,000 performance-based, taxpayer-funded grant through the Michigan Business Development Program, along with additional tax incentives. Republican state lawmakers have voiced support for the project and its subsidies, calling it a boost for Michigan’s manufacturing base.

“This is great news for our entire state,” said State Sen. Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe. “This project will create good-paying jobs for Michigan workers and bring a huge return on investment for state taxpayers.”