2026 Senate Resolution 138

Whereas, In 1956, General Motors unveiled the Global Technical Center in Warren, a landmark campus envisioned as “Where Today Meets Tomorrow,” symbolizing innovation and the future of the automotive industry; and

Whereas, In March 1944, General Motors President Alfred Sloan proposed an idea to Charles Kettering, to create a total environment as an example for the world of American industrial prosperity and innovation. By December 1944, GM had secured the land in Warren, northeast of Detroit. Renowned architects Eliel Saarinen and his son, Eero Saarinen, served as architect-engineers for this historic project, with landscape design by Thomas Church; and

Whereas, Official construction began on October 23, 1945, on a 320-acre site, with the General Motors Technical Center officially opening on May 16, 1956, hosting 5,000 distinguished guests; and

Whereas, The facility quickly became a global hub for engineering, design, and research, helping to shape modern automotive advancement. The complex featured many innovative elements including an aluminum-

domed auditorium used for hosting celebrations and events. On the west side of campus, an impressive

fountain highlights a scenic 22-acre lake and 140-foot-tall stainless-steel spherical water tower capable of

holding 250,000 gallons; and

Whereas, For seventy years, the Global Technical Center has remained at the forefront of innovation, driving technological progress and supporting the growth of Michigan’s economy and workforce. In 2000, the General Motors Global Technical Center campus was recognized for its importance, being added to the National Register of Historic Places, while also receiving National Historic Landmark status in 2014; and

Whereas, General Motors has continued to invest in the campus, renovation, and the creation of state-of-

the-art facilities such as advanced battery research centers, design studios, and manufacturing innovation

spaces; and

Whereas, Today, the 710-acre campus employs approximately 25,000 individuals and stands as a “city of innovation,” advancing the future of mobility while supporting thousands of highly-skilled jobs across Michigan; and

Whereas, General Motors continues to invest in Michigan communities by providing support for education, workforce development, and community partnerships today and well into the future; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the 70th anniversary of the General Motors Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend General Motors for its longstanding contributions to innovation, economic growth, and the prosperity of the state of Michigan.