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TORC Robotics Selects Ann Arbor for New Engineering Center

500 High-Wage Jobs to be Created in Michigan’s Thriving Mobility Ecosystem

TORC Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has announced the opening of its new facility in Ann Arbor Township. Supported by a $3 million performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), the expansion represents a $5.6 million capital investment and the creation of up to 500 high-paying jobs.

With plans to hire engineers and technologists at an average salary of $177,000 annually, TORC’s new hub will focus on advancing its cutting-edge autonomous driving software for long-haul trucking. While the facility will not host on-site vehicle testing, it will serve as a critical research and development engine for the company’s future innovations.

“With the launch of its new engineering center in Ann Arbor, TORC is helping tell the story that this region is where mobility companies come to scale,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “As a 20-year-old startup now backed by Daimler Truck, TORC’s growth reinforces Ann Arbor’s position as a destination for world-class engineering talent and next-generation transportation innovation.”

Ann Arbor SPARK partnered with TORC and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to support the company’s decision to choose Michigan over competing sites in Texas and Virginia. SPARK will continue to provide job portal exposure, marketing support, and connectivity to the region’s robust talent pipeline and mobility ecosystem.

“TORC is a great example of the transformative projects we get to support in Ann Arbor,” said Jennifer Olmstead, Director of Business Development at Ann Arbor SPARK. “Ann Arbor isn’t just a launchpad for startups—it’s a place where global companies can thrive. Helping TORC establish its new facility here has been a major win, and we’re proud to support their continued growth.”

State leaders view TORC’s expansion as a strong example of Michigan’s strategy to grow its knowledge economy and attract high-skill, high-wage jobs. The project aligns with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Make It in Michigan” economic development framework, with TORC investing $5.6 million and creating up to 500 engineering and technology positions in Ann Arbor.

As a company rooted in autonomy and artificial intelligence, Torc is expanding at a pivotal moment in Michigan’s evolution as a mobility innovation leader. The new Ann Arbor office places Torc in the heart of a region known for its top-tier engineering talent, world-class universities, and concentration of advanced mobility startups and R&D assets.

“This strategic location is a natural fit for Torc as we continue to advance our autonomous technology,” said Jamie Swaim, Chief People Officer at Torc. “Ann Arbor’s proximity to the Detroit automotive industry and a wealth of high-tech talent, combined with the exceptional concentration of high-caliber universities and colleges, makes it an ideal environment for our growth and productization strategy. This new center will complement the strong engineering talent we already have across the nation.”

To explore opportunities to join TORC’s growing team, visit torc.ai/careers.

For more information on Torc, go to https://torc.ai/

Companies interested in growing in the Ann Arbor region are encouraged to contact Ann Arbor SPARK’s Business Development team to learn more about available support and resources.