ATESTEO North America is a subsidiary of ATESTEO Group, a Germany-based testing services provider for automotive drivetrains, plans to establish its North American headquarters in East Lansing, Michigan. The $27.7 million project is expected to create 46 jobs.

The existing facility, where the company will install test benches to test drivetrain systems and components, will be the ATESTEO's first location in the U.S. The company chose the location because of its proximity to future automotive customers, the promising partnerships with Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, and the region’s storied automotive spirit, according to state officials.

“We are extremely excited to soon be part of East Lansing, Michigan! With drivetrain testing at an early point in time, we support automobile manufacturers and automotive suppliers to develop new, modern drive systems. We have consistently expanded our international operations in recent years to be on site wherever transmission development takes place,” said ATESTEO CEO Tim Willers.

The city of East Lansing has approved a 50-percent Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption and a new Personal Property Tax Exemption as an incentive. To further help attract ATESTEO to East Lansing, LEAP also facilitated support from key workforce development partners at Capital Area Michigan Works!, MSU and LCC to assist with hiring and training needs.

“Congratulations to the team at ATESTEO on your growth and success. We are excited to welcome you to Michigan, and appreciate this vote of confidence in our talented workforce and leadership position in electric vehicle manufacturing,” said?Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board.?“We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re pleased to work with local partners like LEAP and the city of East Lansing to bring these high-wage jobs to mid-Michigan, and we look forward to welcoming more companies like ATESTEO to Michigan.”

ATESTEO North America began serving the e-mobility industry in 2008 and provides testing services for hybrid and fully electrified auto drivetrains and components. The company was established in 2022 to better serve existing and future customers in the U.S.

“ATESTEO is a perfect match for the Lansing Region and Michigan given our globally leading electrification and mobility industry opportunities,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Foreign direct investment is a crucial economic development win that supports industry innovation and growth. Thanks to the critical partnership of the MEDC, East Lansing and other partners who worked side-by-side to set the stage for ATESTEO’s US launch!”