Midland Gets 22 EV Jobs in $20M DuPont Expansion

Michigan just landed another win in the race to build America's electric vehicle future, and it's bringing well-paying jobs to Midland.

DDP Specialty Electronic Materials, a DuPont subsidiary, announced plans to invest $20 million in expanding its Midland facility to produce thermal adhesive materials used in EV batteries. The expansion will create 22 new jobs with starting wages of $30 per hour plus benefits, more than $9 above the regional median wage.

The project adds 6,000 square feet to the existing facility, including a five-story manufacturing space, additional truck docks, and warehouse capacity. The expansion uses specialized technology designed to minimize disruption to current operations while ramping up production of materials critical to electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the project on Wednesday, highlighting the Michigan Strategic Fund's $200,000 grant supporting the investment. The City of Midland is also expected to approve a real property tax abatement to help bring the project to life.

The Ripple Effect

This expansion strengthens Midland's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. DDP already employs about 450 Michigan residents and stands as a leading U.S. manufacturer of specialty materials for industrial sectors.

"This support is invaluable in helping us enhance our operations and contribute to the advancement of Michigan's automotive industry," said Ron Thompson, DuPont Michigan Operations Site Leader. The investment reflects confidence in Midland's technical expertise and skilled workforce.

Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development at Midland Business Alliance, emphasized what makes projects like this possible. "DuPont's investment reflects a clear understanding of what makes our Midland community distinctive: deep technical expertise, a highly capable workforce, and an ecosystem built to support complex, innovation-driven operations."

The timing couldn't be better as automakers worldwide race to secure reliable sources of battery materials. By producing thermal adhesives domestically, DDP helps strengthen America's electric vehicle supply chain while keeping manufacturing jobs in Michigan communities.

These aren't just any jobs—they're careers that pay living wages and offer pathways to stability for families. At $30 per hour, the positions provide economic security that ripples through the entire community.

Michigan continues proving it's not just adapting to the electric vehicle revolution but leading it, one community at a time.