Canada’s precision manufacturing creates jobs in Michigan

Canadian investment is driving new high-quality manufacturing jobs to Michigan as Markdom International opens its first U.S. facility in Charlotte, Michigan. The Canadian precision-plastics manufacturer is investing over $19 million to build a U.S. facility creating 170 new jobs in advanced manufacturing and tooling tied to local automotive and mobility industries.

Scheduled to land in the Lansing region, Canada’s investment underscores Michigan’s domestic strength in automotive-adjacent production and workforce capability.

For Michigan workers and families, this expansion means more stable employment, advanced-manufacturing career pathways, and a stronger local economy anchored by long-term Canada–U.S. collaborative investment.

Linamar expands footprint in Michigan auto sector

A major Canadian investment is reinforcing Michigan’s position in North American automotive manufacturing. Linamar Corporation’s $300 million acquisition of Aludyne’s North American operations expands the company’s production footprint, including machining and casting facilities in Michigan that support vehicles built in the state. The deal secures existing operations, increases demand for local suppliers, and positions Michigan plants to compete for future electric-vehicle and lightweight-materials contracts. For Michigan communities, the integration helps protect skilled manufacturing jobs and ensures the state remains a central hub in a resilient Canada–U.S. auto supply chain.

Debut for a new Canada–U.S. gateway

Opening in 2026, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the largest infrastructure project on the Canada–U.S. border and offers a new transportation choice between Detroit and Windsor. This iconic structure is now the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and creates a new, direct highway-to-highway connection between I-75 and Canada’s Highway 401. It also expands user options by including a separated multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. The largest ports of entry along the U.S.–Canada border will enable streamlined traffic flow and border processing.

Michigan exports $21.2 billion in goods to Canada annually
Michigan exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 5%
• Chemicals: 3%
• Energy: 10%
• Equipment & machinery: 17%
• Minerals & metals: 8%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Transportation: 50%
• Other: 4%

Top Michigan goods exports to Canada

• Trucks: $4.2 billion
• Automobiles: $3.1 billion
• Motor vehicle parts: $2.9 billion
• Natural gas & other gases: $1.2 billion
• Engines & turbines: $726 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $606 million
• Crude petroleum: $559 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $507 million
• Furniture & bedding: $360 million
• Aircraft & parts: $346 million

Michigan exports $2.3 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Michigan services exports to Canada

• Transport: $1.1 billion
• Business services: $469 million
• Travel (including for education): $368 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $183 million
• Maintenance & repair services: $55 million

Michigan imports $43.5 billion in goods from Canada annually
Michigan imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 4%
• Energy: 12%
• Equipment & machinery: 12%
• Minerals & metals: 7%
• Transportation: 48%
• Other: 17%

Top Michigan goods imports from Canada

• Automobiles: $10.5 billion
• Motor vehicle parts: $5.9 billion
• Trucks: $4.3 billion
• Crude petroleum: $3.7 billion
• Engines & turbines: $2.0 billion
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $1.0 billion
• Natural gas & other gases: $934 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $637 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $608 million
• Vegetables: $565 million