LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Here’s a look at the latest business headlines across the Lansing area.
Tesla contract boosts momentum for Lansing-area battery facility
LG Energy Solution has signed a multibillion-dollar supply agreement with Tesla and will set up dedicated production lines at its new Lansing-area facility, local officials said.
The 2.8 million-square-foot Lansing/Delta Township plant is expected to produce battery cells between 2027 and 2030, according to the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, which said the project reflects years of coordination among local and state partners.
“This Tesla contract with LG Energy Solution is another important step toward the Lansing region becoming the EV/Green Energy Capital of North America,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Despite the recent federal trends away from green energy and electric cars, LEAP continues to believe the Lansing region can become the hub for such innovative energy solutions.”
LEAP said the $4.3-billion supply agreement builds on workforce initiatives and infrastructure funding and supports plans to create more than 1,500 jobs while expanding the local tax base.
Gov. Whitmer’s final executive budget proposal targets infrastructure, education, business growth
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, the final executive budget recommendation of her administration.
The proposal continues investments in infrastructure, education, workforce development and economic competitiveness, with funding aimed at roads and bridges alongside long-term transportation planning.
For schools, Whitmer’s plan calls for increased per-pupil funding for K-12 districts and additional spending on student mental health and literacy programs.
The budget also expands support for job training and talent pipeline initiatives tied to high-demand industries, as the state seeks to grow and retain its workforce.
On economic development, the proposal includes strategic investments intended to attract businesses, improve site readiness and strengthen supply chains.
The plan further supports local public safety efforts and community-based programs.
The FY27 proposal now moves to the Michigan Legislature, where lawmakers will review, amend and negotiate the final budget ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1.
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Michigan retailers say tariffs and uncertainty are hurting business, survey finds
Nearly three-fourths of Michigan retailers say tariffs have had a negative impact on their businesses since April 2025, according to a Michigan Retailers Association survey.
More than half of respondents, 56.1%, said uncertainty surrounding tariffs has also affected their operations, the association said. The survey followed a U.S. Supreme Court tariff decision on Feb. 20.
Inventory price increases were the most-cited impact. One retailer said, “Tariffs have raised my cost of goods by $50,000 this year.” Respondents also reported effects on operational expenses (62%), future planning (51.5%) and sales volumes (48.5%).
Another retailer said, “Many of the items we are known for carrying have been discontinued for the short term due to excessive tariff cost increases. Customers are wondering why pricing is changing regularly and why certain items are no longer stocked or subbed to different items.”
More than 83% reported changing business plans, including raising prices and finding new suppliers.
Report: Michigan university research bolsters talent pipeline and statewide economy
Research Universities for Michigan, an alliance of Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, released new analyses detailing the employment and economic impact of research at the state’s R1 universities.
The Institute for Research on Innovation and Science found that in the 2024 fiscal year, federal and non-federal research funding at the four universities supported 28,663 jobs.
The report also found nearly $280 million in research-related spending in 2024, benefiting vendors across Michigan.
Separate economic impact data from Anderson Economic Group said the universities generated $35.8 billion in net new economic activity statewide in 2024, supporting more than 100,000 jobs and producing $4.2 billion in state tax revenue.
Regents approve behavioral health hospital, surgery center for UM Health-Sparrow
The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved two UM Health-Sparrow projects in Lansing aimed at expanding behavioral health capacity and shifting some procedures to lower-cost outpatient settings.
Groundbreakings are planned for this summer, with both facilities expected to open in 2028.
“We are grateful for the Regents’ approval,” said Margaret Dimond, Regional President, U-M Health. “Our communities deserve the level of care that is associated with U-M Health, and both of these projects address unmet needs, including the scarcity of behavioral health services in the region.”
Plans call for a 64-bed, $83 million behavioral health hospital serving adult, geriatric and child and adolescent patients — a first for the area.
The system also won approval for a $60 million ambulatory surgery center with four operating rooms and room to expand.
MSU student entrepreneurs land deal on ‘Shark Tank’
Michigan State University student entrepreneurs Madhav Aggarwal and Tanvi Gadamsetti, co-founders of BRCĒ, secured a $300,000 investment on “Shark Tank,” an episode that aired March 4, 2026.
BRCĒ, pronounced “brace,” is a performance materials technology company the pair built while studying at MSU. Its patented product, marketed as “shoelaces that NEVER QUIT,” is designed to help prevent sports-related ankle injuries by reducing untied laces.
After questions and negotiations, guest shark Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Snacks, teamed up to offer $300,000 for 20% equity, which the founders accepted.
“‘Shark Tank’ has been a full-circle moment for us,” Aggarwal said. “It allows us to accelerate what we’ve been building from day one — bringing our material technology to more products, more athletes and launching exciting brand collaborations that push performance innovation forward.”
“This moment propels BRCĒ into its next chapter,” Gadamsetti said.
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