That area has a lot of the prime test plants of many of the manufacturers. The band across Michigan is just as relevant. This is the main manufacturing area of Michigan where access to quality talent is very very easy with a lot of plants nearby.

For the Kentucky/Tennessee border area, look up automotive plants in the area. It is a major production area for manufacturers.

Going by traditional factors:

Transportation- you are close to current factories

Costs - these areas are fairly reasonable and have strong power grids

Talent - there are plenty of experienced workers in these areas

Resources - really isn't as relevant as many are sourced globally