New investment key to building Aerotropolis in Wayne County

Gov. Snyder’s visits to Brose headquarters in Germany paying dividends

Brose’s expansion in New Boston is galvanizing momentum for the ongoing development of the Aerotropolis in Wayne County. The economic development partnership among five communities and two counties focuses on attracting new investments around Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

During the next five years, Brose New Boston will invest $105 million and create 300 jobs to produce new products and programs. To support the expansion, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved on Nov. 28 an increase to Brose New Boston Inc.’s Michigan Business Development Program grant by $2.7 million, for a total of $6.95 million. 

The latest investment is in addition to a major outlay three years ago.

In 2014, the company was awarded a $4.25 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for its investment of $97.6 million and creation of 475 jobs at its New Boston facility. To date, the company has created 229 jobs and is ahead of its required milestones. 

Michigan was chosen for this business over competing sites in the U.S. and Mexico. 

“Brose is proud to expand its operations in Michigan and to be part of the state’s overall economic growth,” said Brose New Boston General Manager Bill Hunter. “We will soon enter the recruiting phase and are looking forward to bringing 300 new jobs to the New Boston area.”

Brose New Boston Inc. and its parent, Brose North America Group, are leading manufacturers of mechatronic components for vehicle bodies and interiors. Brose North American headquarters is located in Auburn Hills with plants in Warren and New Boston (Huron Charter Township). 

“The Michigan Strategic Fund approval of increasing the grant for Brose’s expansion is the latest sign of support to a company that has shown great commitment to building the state’s economy and creating jobs,” said Jeff Mason CEO of MEDC, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

“Already one of our largest employers, this expansion makes Brose the largest employer in Huron Township,” said David Glaab, Huron Township Supervisor. “The combination of employment, tax revenue, and the positive impact on other businesses – as well as the potential for new home building – makes this project one of the biggest and best we have seen.” 

Huron Charter Township through the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation is supporting the project with a 12-year, $3.5 million property tax abatement.

“It's telling to see a global company like Brose continue to expand its investment in Wayne County and the region,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “We're seeing continued interest in Aerotropolis and near the airport and that's translating to jobs and development. But this project also reflects how companies invest throughout a region and how our collective assets spur development.”

Brose’s expansion underscores the opportunity for investment in the Aerotropolis region and further validates the attractiveness of locating in close proximity to the area’s transportation assets, said Evans. This is the third sub $100 million development announcement in the Aerotropolis in the last six months. 

Since Gov. Rick Snyder made his first investment mission to Germany in 2012 where he met with Brose executives, the company has committed to investing a total of $262 million and creating 1,225 jobs in Michigan. 

"Brose's expansion underscores the opportunity for investment in the Aerotropolis region and further validates the attractiveness of locating in close proximity to the area's transportation assets," said Rob Luce, executive director, Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation.

The latest Brose investment is the third major development announcement in the Aerotropolis in the last six months.

Individuals interested in positions with Brose should visit www.brose.com/de-en/career.

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