LANSING, MI – On May 9, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Barron Industries will be investing in their facility in Oxford to help advance Michigan’s position as a high-tech hub for defense and aerospace industries. The investment will create 50 new, high-tech and innovative jobs through a $9.1 million in capital.

“Today, we are announcing an investment in Oakland County creating 50 jobs and building on Michigan’s advanced manufacturing,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have secured more than 38,000 auto jobs, many building batteries and electric vehicles, and we have continued growing our strong defense and aerospace industries. We will keep competing with other states and nations to bring more jobs and projects home so we can help more workers and businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Barron Industries, Inc. is a family-owned producer of advanced metal castings for major manufacturers in the defense and aerospace industry who recently celebrated their 100th anniversary in the Oxford community. The company seeks to acquire new advanced metal 3D printing and machining equipment. To accommodate this new equipment, the company is building a new Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing Center with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). 

“Team Michigan is excited to announce Barron Industry Inc’s. investments in a key sector in Michigan’s economic landscape,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “Commitments from companies like Barron truly exemplify why Michigan is the ideal choice for companies looking to bring advance manufacturing to market.”

The expansion is anticipated to generate $9.1 million in capital investment and create 50 new jobs with an average wage of $32 per hour plus benefits, which is above regional median wage of $23.26 per hour. To support this expansion in Oakland County, the MSF has awarded the company a $900,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

"This project marks a significant milestone for Barron Industries and Oxford Township, showcasing the power of collaboration between local government and businesses,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “As we celebrate their expansion into an advanced aerospace manufacturing center, we recognize Barron's century-long commitment to excellence and innovation. Their continued contributions to Oakland County, both economically and through community engagement, exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurial success we champion."

Michigan’s defense and aerospace ecosystems continue to be a key industry in the state, with nearly 4,000 businesses that serve the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries and over 690 Michigan businesses contribute to the aerospace industry. The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs.

“We appreciate MEDC’s support of Barron Industries in our next stage of growth and expansion in Oxford to open our Aerospace and Defense Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center,” said Bruce M. Barron, President/CEO of Barron Industries, Inc. “This support provides crucial funding for building and equipment early on in the launch while Barron aggressively onboards and trains the high-level technicians needed to staff the new facility.”

Click here to explore career opportunities with Barron Industries.