Lear Corp. in Southfield, a global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, celebrated the grand opening of a new manufacturing seating facility in Flint this past weekend.
The 156,000-square-foot facility is expected to employ about 600 people by the end of 2019. More than 400 will be new hires. The facility will build seats for the General Motors Flint Assembly plant and Indiana’s General Motors Fort Wayne plant.
“Flint is the definition of a community-driven city, fueled by dedicated people who are committed to making things happen,” says Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear. “I see the opening of this plant as a way to show appreciation for Flint and bring together some of the hardest-working people in Michigan, while producing innovative, highest-quality products for our customers.”
The plant’s conveyor system uses the Lear Production System, which monitors all key elements of a seat. Waste and recycling efforts will ensure the facility is zero waste-to-landfill, and it will have energy-efficient lighting. About 30 percent of the more-than-33-acre site will be dedicated green space.
Lear plans to build a high-performance team-structured organization that fosters employee engagement. Plant associates will help manage many aspects of their teams. The facility will include modern, employee-friendly amenities.
The company is also renovating Dort Park in Flint. Updates include new landscaping, a picnic area, a play scape, and asphalt walking paths.
The facility will be the first major automotive supplier manufacturing facility constructed in Flint in more than 30 years.