Target Industries

Mobility & Automotive

 

Michigan is a global leader in mobility innovation—driving the design, engineering, and production of vehicles that shape the future of transportation. As home to industry giants like General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford Motor Company, the state offers one of the deepest automotive ecosystems in the world. It leads the nation in mechanical and industrial engineering talent and ranks among the top states for overall engineering expertise. With 61 of the world’s top 100 automotive suppliers located here, Michigan continues to define the global automotive industry.

St. Clair County is an ideal location for Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers seeking proximity, efficiency, and access to global markets. Positioned as a critical international gateway via the Blue Water Bridge and CN Rail Tunnel, the region offers unmatched connectivity between Canada and the United States—supporting seamless cross-border supply chain operations.

Located along the I-69 Trade Corridor, a major North American commerce route linking the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, businesses benefit from direct access to key manufacturing hubs and international distribution networks.

A Competitive Advantage for Automotive Manufacturers

St. Clair County combines operational efficiency with a highly capable workforce and a robust manufacturing ecosystem:

• Skilled Talent Pipeline: A highly productive, manufacturing-driven workforce supported by training institutions like the RESA Tech Center, which develops nationally recognized talent in machining, welding, and automation.

• Proximity to OEMs and Assembly Plants: Within a four-hour drive of 26 assembly plants, including major OEMs such as Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Honda, and Toyota—enabling just-in-time production and strong supplier integration.

• Strong Industry Clusters: A well-established plastics manufacturing base, with a location quotient of 1.8, supports innovation in lightweight materials and advanced manufacturing.

• Cost Competitiveness: Lower cost of living and competitive labor costs compared to other U.S. automotive regions help maximize business profitability and workforce stability.

With its central location, world-class connectivity, and deep talent pool, St. Clair County offers automotive companies a powerful platform to grow, innovate, and compete globally. Whether you’re expanding production, strengthening your supply chain, or advancing next-generation mobility solutions, St. Clair County delivers the infrastructure and ecosystem to support your success.

 

Global Tier 1 Suppliers Operating in St. Clair County

Company	Country	Product
Magna Structures, St. Clair	US	Electric Vehicle battery enclosures
ZF Axle Drives Marysville	Germany	Axle
MAPAL	Germany	Cutting/Tooling
ALD Thermal Treatment	Germany	Heat Treat
Adler Pelzer	Germany	Fabric/Insulation
Norma Group	Germany	Plastics
Eissmann Automotive Group	Germany	Leather Interior
Motherson	India	Mirrors
Michigan Metal Coatings	Japan	Metal Treatment
Linamar	US	Control Arms
Mopar	US	Parts/Coating
International Automotive Components	US	Carpet/Deck
Engineered Plastic Components	US	Plastics
R & E Automated Systems	US	Automation/Prototypes/Engineering
TI Automotive	US	Fluid Lines
US Farathane	US	Plastic Interiors
PTM Corporation	US	Metal Stamping and Tools
Auto Anodics	US	Parts Finishing
P.J. Wallbank Springs	US	Spring Pack Assemblies
Axiom Enhanced Solutions	Canada	Plastics
Auria Solutions	US	Carpet/Decks
Paumac Tubing	US	Tube Bending
Selective Industries	US	Metal Stamping
Wright Plastic Products	US	Plastics

Advanced Manufacturing

The advanced manufacturing sector is the top industry in the county. In addition to the automotive industry, the region also supports two national defense installations: Selfridge Air National Guard Base; and the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. Michigan’s strong heritage of manufacturing means that nearly every sector in the industry is broadly represented in St. Clair County, including the following:

1. Robotics & automation

2. Advanced plastics & compounding

3. Aerospace components

4. Heat treating and advanced coatings

5. Metal stamping

6. Prototype manufacturing

7. Medical devices

8. Paper manufacturing and packaging

Energy Generation & Distribution

St. Clair County is a critical hub for energy generation, storage, and distribution in the Midwest - powering communities, industry, and economic growth across the region. With a diverse energy portfolio and extensive infrastructure, the county offers a strong foundation for both traditional energy producers and emerging clean energy investments.

Energy production in St. Clair County is anchored by a mix of established and modernized facilities, including coal-fired plants, natural gas combined-cycle generation, and peaking capacity. The Blue Water Energy Center represents a major investment in efficient, next-generation natural gas power, complementing the region’s evolving energy mix. 

St. Clair County is also home to SEMCO Energy Gas Company, a regulated public utility headquartered in Port Huron. SEMCO delivers natural gas to approximately 300,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Michigan, supporting energy reliability for both businesses and communities.

In addition, Consumers Energy operates a major natural gas distribution facility in the county, reinforcing the region’s role in delivering reliable energy to homes and businesses.

St. Clair County benefits from a highly connected and resilient transmission network. International Transmission Company (ITC) distributes power through an extensive grid that links the region directly to Canada via international transmission lines, supporting cross-border energy reliability and trade.

The county also serves as a key distribution point for renewable energy generated in Michigan’s Thumb Region, including wind power transmitted to the Greenwood Energy Center.

A Leader in Energy Capacity and Storage

St. Clair County plays an outsized role in Michigan’s and the Midwest’s energy system:

• Leads the Midwest in underground natural gas storage capacity 

• Generates approximately one-third of metro Detroit’s power 

• Energy utilities and assets account for roughly 20% of the county’s tax base, underscoring the sector’s economic importance

With extensive transmission infrastructure, available land, and existing grid capacity, St. Clair County is well-positioned to expand into renewable and next-generation energy production. The region offers strong potential for solar development and continued integration of renewable energy resources into the grid.

From reliable baseload generation to renewable energy distribution and storage, St. Clair County delivers the infrastructure and scale required for energy-intensive industries and future-focused investment. Its strategic location, cross-border connectivity, and robust energy ecosystem make it an ideal destination for companies looking to power operations efficiently and sustainably.

Warehouse, Logistics and Distribution

 

Mobility is the foundation of economic growth - and St. Clair County is uniquely positioned to move goods, people, and ideas efficiently across North America and beyond. As the northern gateway to the I-69 International Trade Corridor, the county offers seamless access to major U.S. and Canadian markets, making it a strategic hub for logistics, manufacturing, and global commerce.

With a fully integrated, multi-modal transportation network - including highway, rail, marine, and air - St. Clair County provides the connectivity businesses need to optimize supply chains, reduce transit times, and reach customers faster. 

A Strategic Gateway to North American Markets

St. Clair County’s location delivers a competitive advantage for companies engaged in cross-border trade and distribution:

• Direct Access to Canada: The Blue Water Bridge provides a critical international crossing with efficient connections to major highways, offering a less congested alternative to other regional crossings and supporting reliable, high-speed freight movement. 

• Positioned on the I-69 Trade Corridor: This key USMCA corridor links the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, providing a direct route to major industrial centers and global supply chains. 

• Rail Connectivity to Global Ports: The CN Rail line connects directly to deep-water ports on both coasts of Canada, including Prince Rupert and Halifax, expanding global export and import opportunities. 

Integrated Multi-Modal Infrastructure

Businesses in St. Clair County benefit from a full spectrum of transportation assets that support efficient, flexible logistics operations:

• Rail & Freight Efficiency: The CN Rail tunnel beneath the St. Clair River accommodates double-stacked freight, significantly increasing cross-border shipping capacity and efficiency. 

• Marine Access to Global Shipping Routes: Located along the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, key links in the St. Lawrence Seaway, St. Clair County provides access to ocean-going vessels, with deep-water ports. 

• Air Transportation & Logistics: The county’s international airport, equipped with U.S. Customs services, supports business aviation and cargo operations, while close proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Bishop International Airport expands global connectivity. 

Built for Efficiency, Positioned for Growth

St. Clair County offers the connectivity of a major logistics hub - without the congestion and cost constraints of larger metropolitan areas. Companies benefit from faster movement of goods, predictable shipping timelines, and access to critical supply chains across multiple industries. 

Its location near one of the world’s largest automotive and advanced manufacturing clusters, as well as the agricultural strength of Michigan and Southwest Ontario, further enhances its value as a logistics and distribution center. 

Your Competitive Edge in Mobility

Whether supporting advanced manufacturing, e-commerce distribution, or global trade, St. Clair County provides the infrastructure, location, and connectivity to help businesses operate more efficiently and scale with confidence.

Warehousing, Logistics and Distribution Regional Companies:
Mugele
Buckland Global Trade Services
Livingston International
XMI Logistics
DHL Global Forwarding 
Fedex Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage