Federal, state and local leaders joined hundreds of Delphi employees today to celebrate the company's investment of more than $25 million to support innovation and technology activities here. A groundbreaking celebration for two new buildings near the world headquarters of Delphi's Electronics & Safety division drew the support of guests including Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight; Hodge Patel, district director for U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly, D-Ind.; and Jack Middleton, director of community relations for U.S. Representative Dan Burton, R-Ind.

In his welcoming remarks, Delphi Electronics & Safety President Jeff Owens noted the significance of the project and acknowledged the transition that occurred over the last few years as Delphi responded to economic conditions. "Delphi is now well-positioned for the future. We are stronger than ever and investing in our future," Owens said. "With this investment, Delphi Electronics & Safety is consolidating its Kokomo engineering team into two Kokomo locations -- the Corporate Technology Center property on East Lincoln Road and the manufacturing facility it opened earlier this year on Morgan Street with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

"We have tremendous resources in Kokomo -- in our facilities and, most especially, in our people -- and Delphi is investing in resources that are critical to its future growth, to include power electronics, active safety, advanced infotainment, connectivity solutions, and powertrain electronics," Owens said.

"This investment supports Delphi's commitment to continue and expand its leadership in the products and technologies that customers want -- vehicles that are safer and greener, and vehicles that allow them to remain connected to their busy lives -- even while on the go," Owens continued. "Some of the best and most innovative work is being done right here. And I'm very proud to work with the engineers, technicians and support personnel who are making that happen."

The project includes construction of a 70,000-square-foot laboratory building to support high-technology development and validation activities, with a focus on power electronics components for hybrid and electric vehicles, and a 10,000-square-foot utility building to support the utility needs of the East Lincoln Road complex. Both buildings are expected to be occupied and operational by the end of 2011. Infrastructure improvements at the Kokomo Morgan Street facility also will support the high-voltage requirements of the power electronics line.

This investment follows, and complements, the announcement last December of a planned joint investment by Delphi and the DOE of more than $178 million to expand Delphi's U.S. power electronics manufacturing in Kokomo. Owens noted that the DOE is a vital partner as Delphi builds its future, in part, around the vision of clean, more secure U.S. energy sources and systems.

"Our emerging power electronics business will be key to Delphi's direct participation in a number of emerging global markets for high efficiency energy products," Owens said, adding this includes everything from hybrid and electric vehicles to other "green" power systems, like solar and wind-powered systems that can power our homes and businesses.

Owens thanked the city for its support and Patel joined Goodnight in sharing comments on the importance of Delphi's continued investment in the economic health of north central Indiana.

About Delphi Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.

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