Marel Power Solutions in Plymouth has received $1.9 million from the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to set up a pilot production line for electric vehicle power stacks, expanding local manufacturing.
Marel Power Solutions, based in Plymouth, has received $1.9 million to set up a pilot production line for electric vehicle (EV) power stacks. The funding comes from the third round of Michigan's "Make It in Michigan" Mobility Prototyping Grant Program, announced by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on September 17, 2026. The program supports projects in mobility, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing across the state. Marel Power Solutions was selected for its compact power system, which is designed for both small mobile data centers and EVs (state announcement).
The grant will help Marel Power Solutions buy equipment for its Plymouth facility, where it plans to start pilot production of power stacks for EVs. Power stacks are key parts inside inverters and converters, managing the flow of energy between alternating and direct current in electric vehicles and similar systems. The company's platform is designed to be configurable, so customers can choose options that fit their needs instead of paying for a custom design. This approach matches the state's push for scalable, flexible manufacturing.
According to the state, Marel Power Solutions is one of 26 recipients sharing a total of $2 million in funding and services. The company's own release puts its award at $1.9 million. The difference may be due to how the program is reported or structured, and more details may come from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Marel's project also covers compact power systems for mobile data centers, not just EVs, supporting a wider range of technology and infrastructure in the region.
The Plymouth pilot line will start with EV-related products, including traction inverters, battery disconnect units, onboard chargers, and charging infrastructure. Marel Power Solutions says its power stack design can also be used in defense and data center power systems, which fits with the state's focus on cross-sector innovation. The company also sees a role in supporting AI infrastructure, where growing demand for computing power means more energy needs to be delivered in tight spaces-a challenge for both local industry and the broader Oakland County tech sector.
The $1.9 million grant is non-dilutive, so Marel Power Solutions keeps full ownership of the company. This fits with Michigan's efforts to bring advanced manufacturing back to the state and create skilled jobs in places like Plymouth and Farmington. Local officials from Plymouth and Farmington Hills have pointed to the value of these investments for economic growth and workforce development. Residents can find updates and public meeting schedules through the City Council portal.
The Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program is part of a larger federal effort to strengthen domestic automotive manufacturing, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant program. Companies that receive funding are expected to use it for equipment, technology upgrades, and workforce training tied to new production lines or products. For Plymouth and the surrounding area, Marel Power Solutions' project is a move toward building local expertise in high-density power electronics, supporting Michigan's goal of a strong and innovative manufacturing base, as outlined by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
