MI: Eberspaecher, a Tier 1 Auto Supplier, Invests $122M, Creates 545 Jobs

Eberspaecher, a global Tier 1 leader in the development and manufacturing of exhaust system technology, announced a significant expansion in Michigan beginning in late 2014 extending through 2019. This expansion includes investment of $122 million USD and 545 new jobs.

The company is purchasing land in Michigan to expand its facilities to accommodate multiple actions: incremental business, increased vertical integration and optimization of its manufacturing footprint.

The first phase of expansion will begin in Brighton, Mich. where the company will nearly triple the size of its current 110,000 sq. ft. plant. A minimum of 100 jobs will be added to support the manufacture of exhaust systems and catalytic converters for commercial vehicles in the short term.

The search for additional manufacturing capabilities in Michigan is underway and further expansion is anticipated.

"We are pleased to announce that now is the right time for us to make this significant commitment to Michigan. We see the value in growing our presence here and now more than ever have the capacity to do so," said Doug Swick, president of Eberspaecher Exhaust Technologies of the Americas. "We are truly excited to move forward with this strategic investment. These actions result from our demonstrated strength in the domestic market coupled with the skill base we currently experience in the Michigan community for the future."

As a result of Eberspaecher's commitment, the City of Brighton has offered tax incentives in addition to a $4.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"Partnering with the State of Michigan on this exciting expansion has helped us gain momentum and was instrumental in solidifying our critical decision to invest here," said Scott Trujillo, vice president of finance for Eberspaecher Exhaust Technologies of the Americas.

In addition to support from the state government, Ann Arbor SPARK, an organization dedicated to economic prosperity and development in the greater Ann Arbor region, has also helped bring Eberspaecher's expansion to fruition.

Since 2000, when the company developed its first facility in Michigan, Eberspaecher has grown significantly. Advanced technology and a strong portfolio of clean, robust exhaust systems enables Eberspaecher to help OEMs meet stringent CAFE regulations and reduce vehicle emissions.

About the Eberspaecher Group
The Eberspaecher Group is a global technology leader and suppliers of exhaust systems, vehicle heaters and bus air conditioning systems. Eberspaecher is also a professional innovation partner for the automotive industry in air conditioning of special-purpose vehicles and in automotive electronics. Customers include almost all European and North American, and increasingly more Asian manufacturers of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In 2012, the internationally positioned group of companies, with approximately 7,300 employees, posted sales of over 2.8 billion Euros.