SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear
Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a leading global supplier of automotive
seating and electrical systems, opened a world-class Innovation
Center today in downtown Detroit
located at 119 State Street in historic Capitol Park.
At this Center, Lear plans to develop new automotive products
and technologies, incubate non-automotive business opportunities,
collaborate with the College for Creative
Studies (CCS) on the next generation of automotive seating
and vehicle interiors and work with the Wayne
State University (WSU) School of Engineering to develop
applications for connected cars and alternative energy
vehicles.
Lear's president and chief executive officer Matt Simoncini began the grand opening event by
welcoming guests Detroit Mayor
Mike Duggan, WSU president Dr.
M. Roy Wilson and CCS president
Rick Rogers.
"We are very excited to be opening a new Innovation and Design
Center in downtown Detroit," said
Matt Simoncini, President and CEO of
Lear Corporation. "We plan to leverage the rapidly developing
infrastructure in the Central Business District as well as the
concentration of arts, science, and technology assets in the
Capitol Park area to fully participate in the transformation that
is underway in the automotive business and to take our Company to
the next level."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan commented, "Lear's investment in
this new center is another example of how Detroit is building on its history of
innovation in automotive design. Thanks to their partners at
Wayne State University and the
College for Creative Studies, Lear will
be able to provide young Detroiters with practical hands-on
experience to prepare them for careers in this cutting-edge
field."
Planned as a hub for art, creativity, automotive advanced
concept development and hands-on learning for Detroit college students, the building at 119
State Street will serve multiple purposes including focusing on
innovation and design, inside and outside the automotive industry;
working closely with nearby WSU and CCS; and supporting community
organizations.
With almost 90% of its furniture designed or built in
Detroit and other Michigan locations and featuring noted local
graffiti artists, the Lear Innovation Center's 35,000-square feet
will include an open first floor gallery and showroom, modern
office environments and work spaces designed to promote creativity
as well as a rooftop garden for special events.
Lear purchased the historic (vintage 1887), six-story 119 State
Street building located in the city's resurging Capitol Park
neighborhood last September. It has been restored close to
its original Victorian Romanesque exterior design, while interior
renovations exude an industrial, raw, authentic Detroit style and aesthetic.
About Lear Corporation
Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) is one of the world's leading
suppliers of automotive seating and electrical distribution
systems. Lear serves every major automaker in the world, and Lear
content can be found on more than 350 vehicle nameplates.
Lear's world-class products are designed, engineered and
manufactured by a diverse team of approximately 140,000 employees
located in 36 countries. Lear currently ranks #154 on the
Fortune 500. Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan. Further
information about Lear is available at lear.com or follow us on
Twitter @LearCorporation.
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SOURCE Lear Corporation