City of Auburn Hills: New Tenant at Former Showcase Cinema

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AUBURN HILLS — Following up on its June 7 announcement that Novi-based Amson Dembs Development, Inc. has purchased the site of the former Showcase Cinema at 2150 North Opdyke Road from National Amusement, the city of Auburn Hills announced today that GKN will be signing a 15-year lease for the property.

GKN Driveline and GKN Sinter Metals will be relocating its Americas Regional headquarters from its current site in Auburn Hills at 3300 University Drive, adjacent to the Auburn Hills municipal campus, to the new site, which had been vacant for 11 years prior to the sale to Amson Dembs. The new building is 168,056 square feet and will be situated on 11.2 acres zoned for technology and research. GKN’s current Auburn Hills’ office has more than 300 employees; an additional 50 employees or more are expected to be hired at the new location over the next three years. 

GKN has been located in Auburn Hills since 1986. GKN’s parent company is based in Redditch, UK and operates four divisions: GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy, GKN Aerospace and GKN Land Systems. Approximately 50,000 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN Driveline is the world’s leading producer of automotive driveline components such as CVJ systems, AWD systems, Trans Axle Solutions and eDrive systems. GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s largest producer of precision powder metal products.

The Auburn Hills City Council approved the new site at its July 1 meeting. Altogether, the project between Amson Dembs, GKN and the city of Auburn Hills was approved from start to finish in just 35 days, a process that typically takes six months or more with most city governments. 

“We are pleased that GKN’s next growth phase will continue in Auburn Hills. The swiftness of this project reflects why businesses like GKN choose Auburn Hills as their corporate business address. We work with our corporate and state government partners to fast track business developments that strengthen our community through jobs and good corporate citizenship initiatives,” said Auburn Hills City Manager Pete Auger.

Auburn Hills Community Development Director Steve Cohen noted GKN’s investment is just the beginning for the 21+ acre razed site.

“GKN is the first project in the redevelopment and will encompass only the north half of the site.  We anticipate another significant facility will set up shop right next door, so it’s a very exciting time for Auburn Hills,” said Cohen.

Robert Willig, president, GKN Driveline Americas, commented on GKN’s renewed commitment to Auburn Hills.

“We are excited to continue to call Auburn Hills home and be a part of the community. Our new Americas regional headquarters signifies our continuing commitment to the region. We would like to thank the Auburn Hills City Council for the expeditious way they continue to work with us to make our plans a reality,” said Willig.