Webasto Moving Headquarters to Auburn Hills from Rochester Hills

Automotive supplier Webasto Roof Systems is moving its North American headquarters from Rochester Hills to an existing building at 2500 Executive Blvd. in Auburn Hills. Timing for the move was not announced.
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Webasto Roof Systems headquarters rendering
Webasto Roof Systems is moving its North American headquarters from Rochester Hills to Auburn Hills, where it will expand an existing building. // Rendering courtesy of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Automotive supplier Webasto Roof Systems is moving its North American headquarters from Rochester Hills to an existing building at 2500 Executive Blvd. in Auburn Hills. Timing for the move was not announced.

Webasto is investing $40 million in the move and utilizing a $350,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“The decision by Webasto to expand its facilities in Michigan over competing countries and states further emphasizes the strength of Michigan’s business environment,” says Jeff Mason, CEO of the MEDC. The company considered sites in California, Germany, China, Mexico, and Kentucky.

Webasto has five locations in the United States including its facility in Rochester Hills that currently serves as its North American regional headquarters and testing center.

Webasto says it has run out of capacity at its existing Michigan locations and identified the site in Auburn Hills to expand to support its forecasted engineering and testing requirements and a consolidation of its existing staff. The project is expected to create 55 new jobs.

“We’re starting a new chapter for our Webasto family by moving our HQ to Auburn Hills,” says Andre Schoenekaes, president and CEO of Webasto Roof Systems. “Webasto has been part of the Michigan community for the last 45 years and we look forward to continuing this relationship. The consolidation of our Michigan locations will create a successful environment of collaboration and business processes.”

Webasto Roof Systems is a subsidiary of the Stockdorf, Germany-based Webasto Group, which has more than 50 locations around the world. Webasto has been supplying the Detroit three automakers since 1976.

“We are honored that Webasto Roof Systems has chosen Auburn Hills for its new North American headquarters,” says Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin McDaniel. “This new investment will allow Webasto to continue developing innovative technologies for roof systems. Our city council and staff have worked diligently to support this exciting project and we look forward to supporting their growth in Auburn Hills.”

In April, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $2.7 million MBDP grant in support of Webasto’s expansion in Plymouth Charter Township, a project that is expected to generate private investment of nearly $48 million and create 441 jobs.