There’s no doubt that Ford has long had a tremendously positive impact on Michigan’s economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating its fair share of revenue for that state over its many years of existence. However, along with its fellow Detroit Big Three automakers, Ford also attracts a lot of suppliers to Michigan as well, and that list continues to grow. Now, it seems as if another Ford supplier could be set to invest more money in Michigan and create more jobs in the area a well.
That supplier is Westcast Industries, Inc., according to Automotive News, which provides both Ford and Volvo with exhaust manifolds. That company is a subsidiary of the China-based Bohong Group, but is eyeing a vacant building in Auburn Hills, Michigan that formerly housed driveline supplier GKN Automotive. Westcast has already submitted plans to convert the site into a CNC machining operation, which would involve a $12 million dollar investment on the company’s part, along with the creation of around 100 jobs.
If this project is approved and ultimately comes to fruition, Westcast would move its Ford and Volvo programs from nearby Sterling Heights, Michigan and add more work for General Motors, given the larger size that the Auburn Hills building provides. There are some hurdles to overcome, specifically, the fact that the site is currently zoned for technology and research, so Westcast will need a special use permit to conduct industrial activity. If and when that does happen, Westcast plans to begin producing manifolds for Volvo semi trucks and the 3.3L V6 Duratec Ford powerplant by Q4 2025.
Along with this potential investment, Ford is also in the process of erecting the new BlueOval Battery Park Michigan site, which is still on track to begin producing lithium iron-phosphate batteries for all-electric vehicles starting in 2026. Additionally, LG Energy Solution will shift production of the NCM battery used in the Ford Mustang Mach-E from Poland to Michigan, a move that will make the EV crossover eligible for the current federal clean energy tax credit.
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