Stargate Campus in Michigan to Create 2,500 Union Construction Jobs

The Facts -

Stargate Michigan: Pioneering the Future of AI Infrastructure with Union Expertise

Stargate Campus in Michigan Will Be Built in Accordance with the National Maintenance Agreement by the 14 Signatory Affiliated Skilled Trade Unions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 20, 2026 – The construction of the Oracle and OpenAI Stargate campus, dubbed The Barn, in Saline Township, Michigan, signifies a transformative era for AI infrastructure. Unveiled at the North America’s Building Trades Unions’ (NABTU) Legislative Conference, this project is set to employ over 2,500 tradespeople and apprentices, marking a major step forward for unionized labor in high-tech construction.

Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU, highlighted the project's groundbreaking nature, stating, “This agreement marks an important step for our industry and for America’s AI future.” The campus will be the first data center constructed under a historic Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI, emphasizing safety, training, and craftsmanship. The collaboration with the Michigan State Building and Construction Trades Council ensures that the nation's top union workforce will be involved, establishing a new benchmark for data center construction.

Steve Claywell, Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan State Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed pride in Michigan hosting this inaugural project under the agreement. “Stargate Michigan will create thousands of good union jobs while delivering real economic benefits to our local communities,” Claywell remarked. The initiative promises to enhance local economies by employing and training skilled workers, showcasing Michigan's leadership in innovation and opportunity.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed the announcement, underscoring Michigan's readiness for business and development. “It will ensure that local people are trained in the skilled construction trades, can secure a job on this project, and have the opportunity to learn a trade and earn a paycheck that will support their family,” she stated. Whitmer emphasized the importance of creating jobs, protecting the environment, and maintaining competitiveness on both national and international stages.

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized the critical role of skilled trades in fulfilling the rising demand for AI infrastructure. “This agreement will help ensure Stargate Michigan is built by the best-trained workforce in the country,” said Altman, highlighting the opportunities for reindustrialization and job creation that the project represents.

Oracle CEO Clay Magouyrk acknowledged the project's scale and impact, stating, “We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners and the Building Trades Unions.” The investment in Michigan is projected to generate thousands of jobs and substantial economic benefits, fortifying American leadership in AI while safeguarding natural resources and supporting local communities.

The project's development is spearheaded by Related Digital, with Walbridge, a seasoned Michigan-based contractor, taking charge as the general contractor. Bruce A. Beal, Jr., President of Related Companies, lauded the state's skilled labor force, noting, “Michigan’s strong, skilled union labor force was a huge factor in the selection of this site.”

Michael R. Haller, CEO of Walbridge, reiterated the importance of collaboration, saying, “This agreement strengthens collaboration between owners, builders, and the skilled trades, reinforcing that strong partnerships and a highly trained workforce are essential to building the next generation of critical infrastructure.”

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