In Southwest Detroit, a new chapter of American manufacturing has begun.

It needs to. Across the country, a national gap in flexible production infrastructure is slowing the commercialization of critical technologies. Startups face steep challenges moving from pilot to production, not due to lack of innovation, but due to lack of space and services to support first manufacturing runs. Newlab aims to close that gap by offering shared access to industrial infrastructure that meets the needs of early production while reducing time to market and startup risk.

Since opening its 270,000-square-foot headquarters at Michigan Central in 2023, Newlab Detroit has grown into a hub for more than 100 startups developing technologies in mobility, energy, and infrastructure. As these companies progress, they need more than lab space. They need the ability to manufacture and deploy. The 23rd represents the next evolution in that journey, supporting a complete cycle of growth that allows startups not only to launch in Detroit, but to scale, hire, and build their futures here.

Newlab, is working alongside 23rd Street Holdings and Newlab member Beacon Manufacturing to activate a dedicated section of a 380,000-square-foot industrial manufacturing campus located on a 16-acre site just west of the Michigan Central Innovation District. Known as The 23rd, the site is being developed to support startups as they scale from prototype to production.

The 23rd facility is designed as a shared manufacturing space for startups to rapidly transition from prototypes to production. It provides the industrial-grade infrastructure, flexible lease terms, and platform services startups need to begin scaling, all while centered in the Michigan supply chain and ecosystem of manufacturing talent.  

The 23rd is a first step. An intentional, right-sized launch designed to test what Detroit’s next generation of manufacturing can look like. We see this as the foundation for something much bigger. It points to a more ambitious future built on local talent, where founders can manufacture at scale while staying in the city.

— David Belt, Founder and CEO of Newlab

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From Prototype to Production, Without Leaving the City

The 23rd fills a gap that scaling critical technology founders often face: a lack of accessible, flexible manufacturing space in proximity to talent, customers, and startup ecosystem resources. The site offers cranes ranging from 5 to 50 tons, high-load power, reinforced cement floors,10 truck docks, and a private rail spur for national railway access. Lease footprints start at 500 square feet, with flexible terms that enable companies to scale up as they grow.

Beyond space, companies will have access to platform services to manage contract manufacturing, supply chain coordination, and on-site logistics. 

What we’re doing at The 23rd is a natural extension of the energy building at Newlab and Michigan Central. It brings much-needed manufacturing capabilities into the fold, creating a clear pathway for startups to grow without leaving the neighborhood. This isn’t a separate effort, it’s a continuation. As the U.S. looks to strengthen domestic production, Detroit is uniquely positioned to continue its manufacturing excellence by supporting the next generation of technology companies rooted right here.

— Christos Moisides, Partner, 23rd Street Holdings

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Anchored in Michigan’s Innovation Corridor

The launch of The 23rd reflects the momentum of the ecosystem started at Michigan Central to unlock Detroit’s industrial potential and help startups scale as they are ready. Located inside Michigan Central’s Transportation Innovation Zone and Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, The 23rd keeps startups close to real-world test environments. It also remains tightly integrated with Newlab Detroit’s headquarters at Michigan Central.

We’re not just imagining the future of manufacturing at Michigan Central – we’re building it. We’re revitalizing Detroit’s industrial legacy with next-generation technologies, bold public-private partnerships, and a commitment to inclusive economic growth. In partnership with Newlab, we’re growing and keeping companies here in the region – and helping prove Detroit is once again positioned to lead in this industrial comeback.

— Josh Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central

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A Next Step With Room to Grow

As Newlab looks toward a more ambitious, long-term advanced manufacturing future in Detroit, this site provides critical insight into what early-stage companies need to manufacture efficiently, safely, and at scale. The goal is not just to reactivate space, but to reimagine how cities like Detroit can serve as full-stack innovation ecosystems; where companies can prototype, test, build, and grow without leaving the region.

It is a proof of concept for how a city with deep manufacturing roots can create a new generation of production capacity tailored to the critical technologies that the world needs now. 

It is also a call to think bigger.

If you’re a critical technology startup needing to scale, get in touch with us at newlab.com/apply.   

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