Sustaining the Economy, Bettering the Community
Manufacturing is Lenawee County’s largest industry employing 8,935 out of the 44,000 employed people.
Manufacturing has sustained the local economy and fostered multi-generational businesses that continue to grow and thrive. These companies are committed to keeping Lenawee County an ideal location for business and a perfect place to live through investments in local economic development and charitable organizations.
Company Spotlight Adrian Steel
Since its founding in 1953 in Adrian, Michigan, Adrian Steel has grown from a small operation with just four employees in a warehouse to a powerhouse in vehicle upfitting, having uplifted over 1 million vehicles. Today, the company employs 208 people in Lenawee and has 300 distributors across the United States and Canada.
Beyond their business success, Adrian Steel has made a lasting impact on the community. The company has fostered a family-oriented culture among its employees and is actively involved in charitable efforts. In 2023 alone, Adrian Steel raised over $23,000 for Fishes and Loaves Pantry, demonstrating their dedication to making Lenawee County not only a great place to work but also to live.
Company Spotlight: Pioneers in Cabinetry
In 1946, Orville and Ruth Merillat founded Merillat Cabinets in Adrian, MI, which revolutionized the kitchen cabinetry industry. By the 1950s, Merillat had become the nation’s largest cabinet manufacturer. The company’s innovative spirit is showcased in milestones such as being the first to use Formica® Laminate in their cabinets and obtaining a patent for the original self-closing hinge—game changers in the industry.
Expanding the Manufacturing Industry
Lenawee’s manufacturing sector continues to flourish, with local companies expanding their operations to meet growing demand and innovate in new industries. Adrian Steel has undergone a recent expansion, reflecting its ongoing success and commitment to the region. Roth Fabricating added 24,000 square feet of manufacturing space to accommodate a new product line, further highlighting Lenawee’s potential for industrial innovation. In Woodstock Township, Ross Design is expanding its facility by 14,250 square feet to bolster its production of casters and material-handling forks, which are supplied globally.
In addition to facilitating growth in Lenawee’s existing companies, we are pleased to have brought other manufacturers to the region. Daejin Advanced Materials USA, Inc., a subsidiary of a South Korean firm, has renovated a facility in Adrian to support the development and production of materials for EV battery cells. This $12.8 million project reinforces Lenawee County’s role in cutting edge technology and manufacturing growth.