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Governor Whitmer Announces Transportation Engineering Firm HNTB Corporation Creating up to 165 High-Wage Jobs in Detroit, East Lansing

Government and Politics

December 16, 2022

From: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Lansing, MI – On Dec 16th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that HNTB Corporation, a national provider of engineering services for transportation infrastructure projects, is expanding in Detroit and East Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund.  

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $922,203 and create 165 good-paying engineering jobs, supported by a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over other competing sites in the Midwest. 

“In Michigan, we’re fixing the damn roads and creating good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why HNTB’s growth is great news for our state, our families, and our economy. It further underscores the competitive advantages our state has to offer innovative businesses on the cutting edge of cars, chips, engineering, and manufacturing. Our future is bright, and thanks to companies like HNTB and our local partners, we can stay laser-focused on growing our economy and creating good jobs for Michigan residents.” 

HNTB Corporation is a professional engineering firm with extensive expertise in planning, design, program management, and construction oversight for transportation infrastructure projects throughout the U.S. The company was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1914 and currently has five locations in Michigan, employing 164 Michigan residents. 

HNTB continues to add to its robust customer contracts to accommodate the growing demand for infrastructure construction and plans to expand at its facility in the Renaissance Center in Detroit, as well as add staff at its East Lansing location. The project will result in the creation of up to 165 new jobs paying an average wage of $38.52 per hour plus benefits. 

HNTB supports personal growth of its employees by promoting from within whenever possible. The company also utilizes Michigan Works to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees and is open to helping employees obtain access to its facility for career positions. The project will bring immediate, high-wage jobs with a large and expanding engineering firm and will also ensure the company’s long-term viability and future growth in Michigan. 

“Congratulations to the team at HNTB on your continued growth and success. We appreciate your vote of confidence in the incredible talent and competitive business climate here in Michigan,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re proud to join our local partners to bring these high-wage, high-skilled jobs to the state, and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity for our friends and neighbors in Detroit and Mid-Michigan.” 

The city of East Lansing has offered staff time in support of the project. For careers with HNTB, visit https://www.hntb.com/careers/.  

“We are proud to be selected for this innovative grant program and to continue growing our local operations to meet the state’s infrastructure needs,” said Eric Morris, PE, HNTB’s Michigan office leader and senior vice president. “This grant will not only result in the doubling of HNTB jobs in Michigan but will also allow us to increase our partnership with the local subconsultants and suppliers who support us.” 

“HNTB Corporation’s expansion to scale its operations in Michigan in East Lansing speaks to our region’s standing as the right place to maximize U.S. business success with access to an outstanding existing workforce and sustainable talent pipeline. Congratulations to all!” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.