No Saab in Michigan!

The residents of Grayling are already grappling with severe water contamination from toxic "forever chemicals" in their water supply. Instead of addressing these pressing health concerns, the Michigan government is prioritizing the construction of a new weapons factory that will exacerbate environmental and public health risks.

The Swedish arms manufacturer Saab is planning to set up a facility in Grayling to produce shoulder-fired AT4 munitions, which have raised global alarm due to their inaccuracy and the potential harm they cause to civilians. Additionally, Saab produces deadly GLSDB bombs, which have already been deployed in Ukraine and are set to be sold to Taiwan. This factory will only fuel more violence and suffering.

As if that weren’t enough, Saab plans to test these weapons in the area. This not only jeopardizes the health of local residents but also poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem, including the vital Au Sable River.

For decades, the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has sought to expand its presence in Grayling, driven by political ambitions and financial interests at the cost of our public land. Governor Whitmer’s attempt to replace lost manufacturing jobs with military contracts is a misguided pivot toward the military-industrial complex. The promises of “high-paying jobs” and Michigan becoming the “Arsenal of Democracy” are nothing more than empty political rhetoric designed to benefit a select few.

The whole Camp Grayling/NADWC/MEDC project is about securing political clout, financial gain, and inflated reputations, all on the backs of taxpayers and our environment. Our public lands are being exploited for political advantage, while Whitmer, the MEDC, and Saab push their agenda at the expense of both the people and the planet.

The local community is largely opposed to Saab’s plans due to environmental concerns. Numerous questions raised by over three local environmental organizations have gone unanswered, or the responses have been vague at best. Yet, the Grayling Township Board and the Crawford County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP) are still planning to approve Saab’s project, despite glaring conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency. It’s clear that these officials do not represent the will of the majority.

On January 9th, the CCEDP will vote on Saab’s proposal. Now is the time for us to speak out and say NO to Saab! Saab is just the tip of the iceberg. If this factory is allowed to proceed, it will set a dangerous precedent, inviting more harmful industries to take root in our community. Once this path is set, it’s almost impossible to reverse.

Stand up, speak out, and help protect our environment, our health, and our future. Say NO to Saab!

Co-signers: (The list is being updated continuously)

Alice Duby Howell
Amy Bennett
Anna Evitts
Annette Foster
Barbara Wolcott
Beverly Julian Ludeman
Bob Washburn
Chelsey Ferris
Daniel Bergman
Debra Sweet
Don Boyd
Donna Wulff
Eddie Betz
Elly Kreger
Gail LaLande Oswalt
Gale Bardos
Greg Widenmier
Jacqueline White-Negron
James K. Hawley
Jeff Reckinger
Jim Knight
Jim Schmitt
Jimmy Davidson
Jody Wade
Joann Hellman
Karen Hunt
Kathy Bremer
Ken Gable
Kenneth Poladian
Kurt Kehoe
Lawrence Ludeman
Lori Fox-Reaume
Marilou Gagne MacKenzie
Marjory Helsel
Martha Duby
Michael Balinski
Michele Birdsall
Mike McNamara
Mike Rohde
Monika Lynn
Patricia Adach
Patricia Elliott
Paul Oleksy
Paula Coleman
Peggy Talmage Braithwaite
Ron Tallieu
Roz Zea
Sandy Badgley
Shelly Hynes
Shelly Lahar
Steve Hurlbut
Steve Perrigo
Susan Allen
Teri McGee
Terry Cummings
Todd Hatfield
Todd Wakeley
Toni Zubrick
Wendy Johnston