Gestamp Mason, LLC’s investment makes Mason plant
the largest physical operation in the U.S.
LANSING, MI – The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the City of Mason and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced October 25th, that international auto supplier, Gestamp Mason, LLC, will be investing $90 million into an expansion of its Mason, Mich. location, which will create 40 new high-tech jobs for the region. The project is part of Gestamp’s statewide expansion that will generate a total private investment of $158.7 million and create 295 jobs.
“Mason and the Global Lansing region are taking center stage as the place where global automotive companies want to do business,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “We competed hard with other locations and won. The Lansing area and Michigan have a long history and have cultivated the environment and expertise in manufacturing. Companies like Gestamp chose our state because of the greater availability of talent with highly advanced skills that are critical in the industry today.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), at a board meeting today, approved incentives for three subsidiaries of Madrid, Spain-based CorporaciónGestamp, an international supplier of metal parts and assemblies for auto manufacturers. The company specializes in products that lead to the development of lighter, safer, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. Following the MSF meeting, a press conference was held at Gestamp Mason, LLC in Mason to make the official announcement.
“Gestamp’s decision to expand in Michigan is another significant sign that our state is the global automotive capital and in the forefront in the next chapter of transportation,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The combination of world-class talent, proximity to automakers and auto suppliers along with our state’s overall economic health presents a compelling case for Michigan as the place to be for businesses looking to achieve global success.”
Gestamp Mason, LLC plans to expand its location in Mason and a new operation will be established in Chelsea, Mich. under Gestamp Washtenaw, LLC. The company plans to expand operations in Chelsea with a new chassis assembly line and an electronic coat paint line, and a press hardening line with an integrated laser cutting cell in Mason. The total investment in Mason will be $90 million, creating 40 new jobs for the region. Nearly $16 million will be allocated to facility expansion, with the remaining $74 million invested in new advanced technology equipment.
“Gestamp North America is excited about the significant opportunities for growth in the state of Michigan. The MEDC, county and local government representatives have been extremely supportive in providing a path to allow us to secure this growth in our business from Michigan locations which will create jobs and investment in Troy, Mason and Chelsea,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of Gestamp North America and Asian Division. “Gestamp is committed to being an industry leader in technology and products focused on increasing safety and reducing weight, and the growth in Michigan will reflect these enhancements in future vehicles.”
The projects in Mason and Chelsea will generate a total private investment of $158 million and create 235 jobs, resulting in a $1.175 million Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. Both the cities of Mason and Chelsea have offered support to the project in the form of property tax abatements.
The City of Mason will provide Gestamp a $2.1 million tax abatement over 12 years to incentivize the new investment, job creation and the retention of existing jobs in Mason. In order for the Gestamp expansion project to move forward at the site in Mason versus other sites inside or outside Michigan, the City of Mason City Council will need to approve the tax abatement during a public meeting to be held in November.
“Gestamp has been committed to the City of Mason and has grown their employment here consistently over the years to over 400 currently,” said City of Mason Mayor, Mike Waltz. “This expansion demonstrates a global company understanding the benefits of investing in Michigan, the Lansing region and Mason. We know Gestamp plays a vital role in the success of our community and we are thrilled to see this long-term commitment to Mason.”
In addition, Gestamp North America plans to expand its existing headquarters in the city of Troy, investing $700,000 and creating 60 jobs. As a result, the company has been awarded a $400,000 MBDP performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in the southern U.S. and Mexico. The city of Troy is providing marketing and promotion assistance in support of the project.
Thanks to the support of the MEDC, LEAP and the City of Mason, Gestamp Mason, LLC will soon become the company’s largest physical operation in the U.S. The plant currently employs over 400 people with plans to add 40 new jobs in the areas of engineering, skilled trades, management and production. Individuals interested in careers with Gestamp North America should visit http://www.gestamp.com/people/work-with-us.
