Wabco, a global technologies and services company working to improve the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of commercial vehicles, plans to make its North American headquarters in the city of Auburn Hills. The announcement was made today by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).
Chosen over a competing site in Ohio, the Wabco project is expected to create a total capital investment of $19.7 million and 87 jobs, which will result in a $375,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
“Wabco’s expansion in Michigan rather than another state means good jobs for Michigan residents and underscores the strength of the talent in the state’s mobility and technology sectors,” says Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC. “It is thanks to many public and private partners that this project is taking place, and we are pleased to support that collaboration.”
Wabco originated from the Westinghouse Air Brake Company, and services commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, and the aftermarket. Reported sales from the company in 2017 were $3.3 billion. In 40 countries, it has nearly 15,000 employees.
“Wabco’s investment in a new Americas headquarters reflects our leadership in technologies that advance the safety, efficiency, and connectivity of commercial vehicles in this region,” says Jon Morrison, Wabco president, Americas. “We are driving dynamic growth and expansion in North America, and this new headquarters will enable our team to anticipate and respond to customer needs even better. In addition, the new office will now co-locate our talented teams, fostering seamless collaboration as we advance innovations to enable autonomous driving in the commercial vehicle industry.”
Wabco plans to consolidate its Troy operations with a portion of its Rochester Hills facility to a newly-built spec building in Auburn Hills, which will serve as its headquarters. The facility is expected to open in the third quarter of 2018 and is currently under construction. The company is increasing its presence in the North American commercial vehicle and heavy-duty trucking industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wabco North America LLC to Auburn Hills and honored that they have decided to locate their operations here,” says Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “We appreciate their confidence and investment in our community. On behalf of the city council, city staff, and our over 23,000 residents, we welcome Wabco to our community and look forward to watching them grow in Auburn Hills.”
A 50-percent property tax abatement is offered by Auburn Hills in support of the project.
“This level of advanced engineering is the type of job creation and investment that fits perfectly with Oakland County’s Emerging Sectors initiative,” says L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive. “Oakland County has the third highest number of technical workers in the nation and more than 70 percent of southeast Michigan’s top original equipment manufacturers.”
