Lansing, MI– On Feb 7th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that the Shyft Group, a manufacturer of delivery and specialty vehicles, is expanding to produce electric commercial vehicles in Charlotte with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $16 million and create 680 manufacturing jobs, supported by an $800,000 Jobs Ready Michigan Program performance-based grant to assist with recruitment and training. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Indiana and Pennsylvania.

“Shyft Group’s $16 million investment creating 680 jobs building electric commercial vehicles in Charlotte will grow Michigan’s economy and help us continue leading the future of mobility and advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our future is bright, and thanks to companies like Shyft and our local partners, we can continue bringing critical supply chains of cars, chips, and clean energy home to grow our economy and create good jobs for Michigan residents.” 

The Shyft Group began in Charlotte in 1975 as a specialty truck manufacturing company. On Feb 7th, nearly 50 years later, the company is a leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit. Clients include large multinational corporations providing last mile deliveries. The Shyft Group has facilities around the U.S. and in Mexico, and currently employs 1,225 Michiganders. 

The company is currently planning to manufacture new custom electric delivery vehicles under its Blue Arc™ EV Solutions brand for major international eCommerce companies and plans to expand at its existing location in Charlotte, where it will make site improvements, infrastructure upgrades and new equipment related to EV production. With the expansion, upgrades to facilities, and installation of new equipment, Shyft will have the capacity to produce up to 3,000 EVs per year in Charlotte. 

“We’re extremely proud to invest in electric vehicle production here in our home state of Michigan where our company has been headquartered for nearly 50 years,” said President and CEO Daryl Adams. “We are thankful to be part of the Charlotte community and look forward to bringing the future of fleets to our operations there.” 

The Shyft Group plans to work closely with Capital Area Michigan Works! in identifying and recruiting talent. The project will bring a significant number of manufacturing jobs with a strong area employer and builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility. The project will also ensure the company’s long-term viability and future growth in the region. 

“Congratulations to the Shyft team on your continued growth and success. This investment underscores the strength of your business powered by our state’s talented workforce and leadership in mobility and advanced manufacturing,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are grateful to the Governor, bipartisan legislators, and local officials for their continued support of the Jobs Ready Michigan Program, which supports upskilling and training opportunities for our friends and neighbors across the state. We’re grateful to Shyft for this vote of confidence in Michigan and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity in Mid-Michigan.” 

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership plans to provide staff time and resources in support of the project. For information on careers with the Shyft Group, visit https://theshyftgroup.com/careers/. 

“This is another critical addition to the growing electric vehicle Capital of America here in the Lansing Michigan region! From their family-owned roots in Charlotte, the Shyft Group’s impressive growth into an innovative global heavyweight industry player has blossomed under CEO Daryl Adam’s leadership and team,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “The competition from other communities and states is intense for a growing company like Shyft and overall for electric vehicle and adjacent industry projects. Shyft’s continued commitment to invest locally has been clear and our region is better off because of it.” 

“That Charlotte will be home to this important commercial segment of the electric vehicle market is fantastic news,” said Charlotte Mayor Michael Armitage. “The Shyft Group has been a vital part of the city's business community for many, many years and we are proud to continue partnering with their growing company.”