American Rheinmetall invests $31.7M in Michigan to accelerate U.S. Defense modernization and strengthen national industrial base

American Rheinmetall headquarters in Michigan. (Rheinmetall)

The new Auburn Hills headquarters location features 168,056 sq. ft. and will combine current Troy and Sterling Heights operations under one roof

American Rheinmetall announced on September 11 a $31.7 million investment in its Michigan facilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing U.S. defense capabilities, strengthening domestic supply chains, and expanding the skilled U.S. manufacturing workforce. The investment includes a move to a state-of-the-art, 168,056 sq. ft. facility in Auburn Hills, MI that will consolidate existing operations in Troy and Sterling Heights, and the creation of 450 new jobs across the enterprise, further demonstrating the company’s commitment as a hub for next generation defense innovation.

This strategic investment positions American Rheinmetall to provide enhanced support for critical U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program, where the company is one of two prime contractors competing to deliver the Army’s next-generation combat vehicle platform to replace the M2 Bradley.

This expansion represents a major step forward in strengthening our ability to deliver critical defense technologies to the U.S. military,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “It’s a direct investment in American manufacturing capacity and the skilled workforce that powers it.”

While the primary focus of the investment and new facility is on advanced defense products, American Rheinmetall’s capabilities also extend to the broader manufacturing sector – including precision components used in agricultural and commercial machinery. These products support American farmers by improving equipment durability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Our Michigan operations are central to our U.S. growth strategy – not only in defense but across a range of markets where performance and reliability matter,” added Warnick. “From the battlefield to the heartland, we’re proud to support the industries that underpin national security and economic strength.”

The expansion directly supports national defense priorities by accelerating the modernization of U.S. military capabilities. It also bolsters industrial resilience by expanding domestic production capacity, not only in defense but across critical manufacturing sectors. The investment contributes to workforce development by creating 450 new jobs with highly competitive starting wages and benefits that are above the regional median wage. This initiative enhances the security of U.S. supply chains and reinforces the vital connection between national defense, economic strength, and the domestic manufacturing industrial base.

The new Auburn Hills site was selected after a competitive process involving eight other states. The decision was supported by the State of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and local partners.

Michigan’s deep engineering talent and strong heritage in defense and heavy equipment manufacturing made it the ideal location to deepen the company’s roots.

This investment follows American Rheinmetall’s recent acquisition of Loc Performance Products, another Michigan-based defense supplier, further enhancing the company’s ability to deliver integrated, scalable solutions across its defense portfolio.