Area Development
Commercial vehicle technology company XL Fleet opened its new research and development Fleet Electrification Technology Center in Wixom, Michigan.

According to state officials, the project is expected to generate a total private investment of $1.2 million and create up to 49 jobs.

“The grand opening of our Fleet Electrification Technology Center in Michigan marks a milestone for XL Fleet as we expand our footprint into this highly strategic location, positioning us to add capacity to the exceptional talent we already have in-house," said XL Fleet CEO Dimitri Kazarinoff. “It is an honor to be joined by Governor Whitmer and other officials to help celebrate and inaugurate our first facility located in the country’s top region for automotive engineering innovation.”

The project has been awarded a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund as an incentive.

“This investment by XL Fleet will create nearly 50 good-paying, high-skill jobs and help us continue our economic jumpstart and put Michigan back to work,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The new facility reinforces our reputation as the place that put the world on wheels, and a leader in the future of mobility and electrification. We’re excited to welcome XL Fleet to Michigan and look forward to the path breaking innovations that will be created right here in our state.”

State officials said the project fits with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) strategic plan by creating high-wage engineering positions in the auto industry. In addition, supporting the project helps further strengthen Michigan’s leadership in vehicle electrification and automotive R&D. The project also supports Michigan’s rich and diverse mobility ecosystem, which features the largest deployment of vehicle-to-infrastructure technology in the nation and more than one-sixth of the entire U.S. auto production.

“XL Fleet’s new R&D facility will drive new advancements in future mobility and further demonstrate that Michigan is the place where manufacturing and technology converge,” said MEDC Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “This project aligns with our strategic focus on growing the mobility and electrification ecosystem in Michigan and fostering high-wage job growth. We’re pleased to work with our local partners to support XL Fleet’s investment.”

XL Fleet , founded in 2009 in Boston as XL Hybrids, is a high-growth commercial vehicle technology company focusing on developing and producing cutting-edge technology to convert conventional vehicles into hybrids. XL Fleet is a leading provider of vehicle electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets in North America, with customers in a wide range of industries.