Saab Joins Michigan Leaders at Mackinac Policy Conference
Saab, Inc. President and CEO Erik Smith joined Michigan leaders for a panel discussion on Michigan’s role in America’s defense at the annual state policy conference.
The 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference convened top leaders from across the public and private sectors to chart Michigan’s future, focusing this year on the state’s “Equation for Impact.”
Saab, Inc. President and CEO Erik Smith joined U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin and retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and current Executive Director for the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, John Gutierrez, to share insights on Michigan’s role in America’s defense.
The panel explored how Michigan’s legacy as the “arsenal of democracy” can evolve to meet modern security challenges from expanding domestic munitions capacity and fostering high-tech innovation to supporting workforce development.
“We think a little bit differently. If you look at what we’re doing in Grayling, it is much more: see the problem, understand the problem, and then build the capacity to help solve the problem…We’re not asking for money to fund the activity. We’re going to build this, seeing that the problem exists, and we have to build for our national security,” said Smith.
Building the Future of Defense in Michigan
Saab’s newest investment, an advanced munitions facility in Grayling, Michigan, is designed to help meet the defense challenges of speed and capacity. The facility will serve as a domestic manufacturing and assembly site for precision fire systems and shoulder-fired weapons, including the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB).
Alongside bolstering national defense readiness, the site supports Saab’s long-term U.S. growth strategy and commitment to working with local suppliers, contractors and training institutions throughout Northern Michigan.
A Commitment to Michigan’s Future
The facility plans to open in 2026 and is expected to support approximately 100 high-quality jobs. Saab aims to draw talent from across the region, including veterans and skilled trades professionals.
Saab is partnering with Kirtland Community College to develop a pre-employment training program, create a process for Saab employees to earn college credits through internal training, and potentially use Kirtland’s industrial training lab for hands-on training of Saab’s basic manufacturing techniques.
By combining forward-leaning innovation with trusted partnerships, Saab aims to serve the U.S. Department of Defense with speed and reliability.
“We’ve had tremendous success since the announcement — people that have been all over the country that just want to come back to northern Michigan now that the jobs are going to be there,” said Smith.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Saab will continue working with policymakers, industry leaders and educational institutions to grow critical defense capabilities, support high-quality job creation and develop the workforce of tomorrow.
These collaborations are essential to Saab’s purpose of helping keep people and society safe.