December 14, 2004
December 14, 2004
Auto supplier's $4.3 million investment will bring 145 new jobs
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced Affinia Group Inc. will locate its new headquarters in Pittsfield Township and create 145 jobs for Michigan workers, including 100 directly by the company.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) approved a Single Business Tax credit valued at more than $1.7 million to help convince Affinia to locate and grow in Michigan over a competing site in Ohio. The company is expected to invest approximately $4.3 million in the project over the next five years.
“These new jobs will build on our state’s strengths as the center of the global auto industry,” Granholm said. “In bringing Affinia’s corporate headquarters to Michigan, we again validate our automotive strategy and gain another victory that secures high-skill, high-salary jobs for Michigan workers.”
The expansion of Affinia is one of 10 economic development projects announced by the Governor today. In all, they are expected to create and retain a total of 9,983 Michigan jobs, including 2,229 directly by company expansions and redevelopments.
“We are truly pleased to be moving Affinia’s worldwide headquarters to the Ann Arbor area of Michigan,” said Terry McCormack, president and CEO of Affinia Group Inc. “It is a great community that offers a wide array of opportunities for everyone associated with Affinia. We especially want to thank Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their assistance in helping us find a great home for our company.”
A University of Michigan economic analysis estimates that 45 indirect Michigan jobs will be created as a result of increased economic activity associated with the expansion, in addition to the 100 jobs created directly by the company. The project is expected to generate more than $70 million in personal income for Michigan workers over the life of the tax credit.
“While we’re always pleased when companies choose to locate a headquarters here, we’re particularly happy when the company has previous roots within the community," said Washtenaw Development Council President Sue Lackey. “This validates the attractiveness of the Ann Arbor area to corporations and their employees.”
“Affinia’s move here indicates that the state remains highly competitive in the global fight to attract auto investment and jobs,” MEDC President and CEO Don Jakeway said.
Ohio-based Affinia Group recently acquired portions of the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group, a manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket parts including various brake system and filtration applications. The new headquarters operation will provide administrative support, including management, accounting, IT, sales, legal, and procurement. The company currently employs eight workers in Michigan.
In her 2004 State of the State address, Governor Granholm announced her plan to make Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. So far this year, the Governor and the MEDC have announced the creation or retention of approximately 53,857 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.
Affinia Group Inc.
Economic Analysis
Summary Estimates
(All estimates in 2004 dollars)
TOTAL JOBS CREATED 145
Direct 100
Indirect 45
NET POSITIVE STATE REVENUE IMPACT $3,681,000
Revenue Foregone $1,773,000
Revenue Gain $5,454,000
Average Wage $1,372/week
Personal Income Generated Over
Life of the Tax Credit Agreement $70,821,000
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