Maker of automated auto systems locates in Michigan

223 new jobs, expanded skilled-trades training to attract high-paying positions

LANSING, Mich. – Valiant International Inc. will expand its North American presence with the purchase of an 187,000-square-foot facility in Auburn Hills dedicated to manufacturing the body-in-white or automotive skeletons, which are vehicle bodies excluding welded parts.

The Michigan Strategic Fund board today approved a $2.3-million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for Valiant’s project, which is expected to generate a private capital investment of $32.7 million and create 223 jobs over the next three years. The program is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s marketing and attraction agency for business development.

“We proudly welcome Valiant to the global automotive capital,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “We appreciate their commitment to the Michigan economy, and know they’ll find Michigan is the preeminent business environment to grow their endeavors in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and construction industries.”

The Windsor, Ontario-based Valiant will be in close proximity to many of the state’s automotive suppliers, which include 63 of the top 100 North American auto-supply companies. Since 2009, automakers and auto suppliers have invested about $16 billion in the state, according to the Center of Automotive Research.

“As a growing private Canadian company, Valiant joins six other Canadian companies already having a large presence in Auburn Hills,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “We couldn’t be happier that the Solcz family has chosen to locate their family owned business here.”

In addition to MEDC’s performance-based grant, the city of Auburn Hills will provide an eight-year property tax abatement.

As a key part of the move to Auburn Hills, Valiant will consolidate its Troy-based sales operation and establish a skilled-trade training site for apprentices to learn machine operating, welding, robot programming and other metal-working skills. Valiant officials plan to partner with local government, community stakeholders, colleges, trade schools and private business to attract high-wage workers.

The skilled-trades positions at Valiant are expected on average to pay $47 per hour. For more information about positions at Valiant, please visit http://www.valiantcorp.com/careers_en.html 

Founded in 1959 in Windsor, ON, Canada, the Valiant-TMS Group of Companies currently employ approximately 1,400 members in 23 facilities in 14 countries. Through its subsidiary Valiant International, Inc., Valiant has been operating an Advanced Technology Engineering Center in the city of Troy since 1983.

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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.