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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Flash Steelworks Expands St. Clair County, Michigan, Operations

02/09/2025
Flash Steelworks, a research and development firm and steel manufacturer, plans to expand its operations in St. Clair County, Michigan. The approximately $9 million project is expected to create up to 500 jobs.

The investment will include the installation of a Flash Armor Production line to support new contracts and begin production of the world’s highest performing armor plate, as tested by the U.S. Army.

“Founded 20 years ago in the Arsenal of Innovation, with a keen focus to protect Democracy, Flash Steelworks creates steel that is stronger than titanium, lighter than aluminum, and is able to stop speeding bullets at record-setting velocity,” said Gary Cola, CTO & Founder of Flash Steelworks. “We are excited to continue working with the MEDC to advance Flash Technology research and full-scale production in St Clair County. While creating good paying skilled jobs, Flash Steel will better protect those in harm’s way, be it in an automobile or armored carrier.”

The project is being supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant in the amount of $750,000. In addition, the company has been awarded three Phase Three Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to fabricate full-scale production equipment.

“The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is proud to have been a part of bringing Flash Steelworks to Ira Township. The company’s advanced process of flash heating and cooling creates a high value and weldable steel that has successfully earned the business several government contracts,” noted Kristy Jones, Director of Business & Community Development Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. “The EDA welcomes Flash Steelworks to St. Clair County and is thankful for the new investment and skilled job opportunities it brings to the region.”

Flash Steelworks manufactures products that can be used in armor, automotive, bridges, containers, energy components, I-beams, rebar, ships, seawall, and more.

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