Zone Benefits

Our Networks Will Grow Your Business

Forming the Great Lakes Interchange, Oakland County, three of its larger cities (Rochester Hills, Southfield and Troy), two of its biggest universities (Lawrence Technological University and Oakland University) and Automation Alley create an environment that encourages technological growth and activity. A wealth of companies and a shared research environment offers access to both industry and educational resources. Businesses choosing to relocate to this area will be close to:

• Vendors
• Suppliers
• Research facilities
• Public and private funding

The Great Lakes Interchange is one of 11 state-designated SmartZones™. While most SmartZones have a single university, municipality and technology, the Great Lakes Interchange is the largest collaborative network in Michigan.

• Our industrial network is made up of internal research and development at companies located throughout the area, private research and development organizations and the Automation Alley Consortium.
• Our intellectual network consists of universities and the Automation Alley Technology Center and its technology business accelerator.
• Our infrastructure network is comprised of city and county economic development organizations, ensuring that the utilities and transportation are in place for any company seeking to relocate to the Great Lakes Interchange area.

The Great Lakes Interchange is the best high-tech address in the Midwest and at the center of Michigan’s research and development, providing the most experienced high-tech workforce in the state. We help build powerful relationships and encourage the sharing of ideas and resources throughout the technology community. Some high-tech companies currently growing within the Great Lakes Interchange include:

• ArvinMeritor
• BASF
• BorgWarner
• Bosch
• Delphi
• DENSO International America
• Energy Conversion Devices
• Federal-Mogul
• HTC Global
• Lear
• Lockheed Martin
• Microsoft
• SBC Communications
• Sun Microsystems