What was formerly known as the Michigan Defense Center is now the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).
“Michigan is all-in on defense,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said, in a news release announcing the ODAI and appointment of Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) as its executive director.
Whitmer, who was joined by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing the new office, said it will enable Michigan to build on its long, proud legacy of leadership in the defense and aerospace sectors. That includes increasing awareness of the state’s capabilities, supporting the attraction and expansion of businesses that champion the Department of Defense and its activities, and enhancing commercial defense and aerospace segments poised for growth.
“We will compete with other states and nations to grow our defense and aerospace economy, harnessing our strong base of talent, and building on our powerful ecosystem of business in this space,” said Witmer, whose announcement preceded the Michigan Defense Expo at Macomb Community College South Campus.
The annual event attracts more than 200 exhibitors from across the nation who gather to talk shop, share their knowledge, innovative solutions, and expand upon potential partnerships and it’s no surprise they gather here.
The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state of Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs, representing nearly 4,000 businesses serving the defense, aerospace and homeland security industries.
Among the small businesses attending the expo was NTL Industries, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) precision machine in Sterling Heights that provides the application components for military vehicles.
“Like this,” said Greg McArthur of Shelby Township holding up the mounting bracket for a machine gun.
McArthur admitted he knew nothing about the Michigan Defense Center or ODAI.
However, he was interested in learning how the ODAI plans to help small business owners like he and his wife Shelley. One of their goals in attending the expo is to help increase their defense contracts.
“Right now we have about 10,” he said.
That would be one area that the ODAI could help them and other small businesses.
McArthur said he and his wife also completed the paperwork to become a certified woman-owned small business. Being approved would also provide more leverage for defense contracts since the federal government’s goal is to award 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women.
After two years of waiting, this is another area the ODAI could help.
NTL is one of more than 1,100 companies that support the aerospace and defense industry in Macomb, which contributes to over 40,000 jobs.
“The heartbeat of Michigan’s defense sector is here in Macomb County with the Detroit Arsenal and Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, who was among the county officials in attendance for the expo. “However, our strengths as an industry go beyond our county boundaries. Far too often we compete with other states such as Alabama, Florida, and Texas for new programs, missions, and business opportunities. Now is the time to put us on a global stage as a leader in innovation, talent, and technology and we look forward to partnering with the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation on our common goals.”
That includes Michigan’s defense capabilities.
The Michigan National Guard boasts five major installations and additional armories including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of America’s largest Air National Guard bases at Selfridge in Harrison Township.
“Michigan has always played a pivotal role in the security of our nation,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. “The budding relationship between the ODAI and the Michigan National Guard will help us promote the full potential of our training facilities through investment and awareness.”
In 2022, Michigan reached $5.5 billion in defense contracts awarded, ranking it 22nd among states.
“There’s great potential to rank even higher, and a tremendous opportunity for our defense and aerospace industry to compete, win, and drive greater economic impact,” said Tammy Carnrike, CEOO of the Detroit Regional Chamber and civilian aid to the secretary of the Army (CASA) Michigan. “Establishing an Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation in Michigan shows the state is invested in protecting and growing this sector and the jobs that come with it.”
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel concurred.
“For years Macomb County and our partners across the region and state have helped protect and grow the defense industry,” said Hackel. “Through private sector innovation and installation modernization we have positioned ourselves as the defense center of the Midwest. With the announcement of the creation of the ODAI, we have made another major commitment to ensuring that we continue to protect those who protect us.”
Mark Ignash, interim executive director of the Michigan Defense Center and senior sector development director and defense advisor for the MEDC, said he’s exceptionally proud of the work that’s been done by the center but excited to see it advance to the next level under Gutierrez’s leadership.
“I’m deeply honored and excited to serve as the executive director,” said Gutierrez, who began his military service in 1990 and has more than 30 years of experience in acquisition, operational, and joint assignments, most recently serving as the portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. “I feel privileged to join this critical effort at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Democracy is under threat on a global scale, not seen since the Cold War. Recent events including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s attempt to disrupt freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Straits, along with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, underscore the challenges confronting the U.S. and its Allied Nations. Michigan, renowned as the Arsenal of Democracy and a beacon of industrial prowess, holds immense potential. I look forward to working with government officials, business leaders, stakeholders and partners to leverage Michigan’s defense and aerospace capabilities.”
“Michigan has a proud legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and this new office will ensure our state continues to be a national leader in this critical mission,” said Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills), co-chair of the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus.