Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > MICHauto Supports PPE Manufacturing, Unifying Auto Industry and State

MICHauto Supports PPE Manufacturing, Unifying Auto Industry and State

April 24, 2020


When COVID-19 first hit Michigan, MICHauto’s primary focus was to support the growing personal protection equipment (PPE) needs of healthcare workers on the front lines. With its deep automotive industry and state economic development connections, MICHauto immediately jumped in to provide support both in mobilizing to pivot production to support frontline workers.

Mobilizing Automotive Task Force

Over the past two months, MICHauto has coordinated with elected officials and associations including the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) and the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Every Monday, MICHauto convenes the Michigan Automotive Industry Task Force to address the critical needs of both automotive companies and the state, and develop mutual actions to assist companies as they pivot to manufacture PPE.

This important work is done in conjunction with partner associations and organizations such as the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), The Right Place, Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), and Center for Automotive Research (CAR), to leverage combined resources helping automotive companies to satisfy the state’s PPE needs.

Continuing to Advance Support

What the automotive companies and suppliers in Michigan have accomplished in such a short amount of time is a testament to the innovation and manufacturing spirit that exists in the industry. The good news is that many companies around the state continue to manufacture this critical equipment, and in turn, the sense of urgency of shortages has diminished over the past several weeks.

Even as shortages begin to diminish, MICHauto is by no means relaxing the urgency of its efforts. MICHauto continues to hold weekly task force calls and check-ins with the state and automotive companies.