SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear
Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a leading global supplier of automotive
seating and electrical systems, today confirmed plans to construct
a new world-class automotive seat manufacturing facility in
Flint, Michigan at the former site
of the Buick City administration building.
Lear's new facility will provide seats on a just-in-time basis
for future vehicle production at GM's Flint Assembly plant and will
add manufacturing jobs and economic growth to the State of Michigan.
"We appreciate the support of the State of Michigan and the City of Flint which is allowing Lear to
increase manufacturing jobs in America," said Ray Scott, Lear executive vice president and
president of Seating Operations. "This expansion of capacity
reflects the positive outlook we have for our business as well as
the favorable economic climate in Michigan, and will contribute to the
revitalization of Flint."
"Since 2009, GM has invested more than $2.8 billion in Flint and we're proud to see suppliers like
Lear also commit to business in Flint," said Tom
McMillen, executive director of Interior and Safety, General
Motors Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Lear has been a trusted
partner of GM throughout its 100-years of business and earned GM's
coveted Supplier of the Year designation 16 times. We look
forward to continuing this relationship in our next generation
vehicles produced in Flint."
GM has found that suppliers of large components locating near
assembly plants results in significant savings from reduced
transportation costs, higher quality, better communications and
continuous improvement activities.
"This is great news for the City of
Flint," said Flint Mayor
Karen Weaver. "We appreciate
leaders of Lear Corporation choosing to invest in
Flint. This city has a long history of automotive
manufacturing and plenty of hard-working residents. We look
forward to this project having a positive impact
in our community, and providing the economic boost
we've been working toward."
Lear will begin construction of a state-of-the-art 160,000
square foot seat manufacturing facility this fall, with completion
scheduled for early 2018. This new facility will provide jobs
for about 600 workers once the plant reaches full
employment. Workers will be represented by the United
Automobile Workers (UAW) union.
UAW Region 1D Director Gerald
Kariem said, "We look forward to partnering with Lear
Corporation in another endeavor in Region 1D. Lear
Corporation is known for its quality products and timely
production, and I'm sure the Flint
site will be another winning facility."
About Lear
Lear Corporation was founded in Detroit in 1917 as American Metal
Products. In 2017, the Company is celebrating its 100th year
anniversary. Lear is one of the world's leading suppliers of
automotive seating systems and electrical distribution systems
(E-Systems). Lear serves every major automaker in the world,
and Lear content can be found on more than 400 vehicle
nameplates. Lear's world-class products are designed,
engineered and manufactured by a diverse team of approximately
156,000 employees located in 38 countries. Lear currently
ranks #151 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