FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group, will purchase new equipment and modify its engine plant in Trenton as part of a $74.7 million investment to manufacture the next generation four-cylinder engine for future vehicles. As a result, up to 245 jobs will be retained at the facility located in southeast Wayne County, several blocks from the Detroit River.
Today, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) approved an exemption from the State Essential Services Assessment for the Auburn Hills-based automaker valued at $770,000. The exclusion serves as an incentive for projects that result in significant investment in eligible manufacturing personal property.
“While FCA US has a relatively new name, the Company has a long, storied history in Michigan, and this latest investment demonstrates their commitment to the state’s economic future,” said Steve Arwood, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which administers on behalf of the MSF the business attraction program and serves as the state’s primary marketing agency.
Since 2009, FCA US has announced investments of more than $2 billion in Michigan and added nearly 15,600 new jobs, bringing total employment in the state to 35,314 (including 21,621 hourly) people.
“This investment in our flexible production line at Trenton North will allow us to quickly ramp up North American production of this new fuel efficient engine,” said Brian Harlow, vice president – manufacturing, FCA North America.
FCA US evaluated existing engine production facilities throughout North America before deciding to invest in and retool the Trenton North Engine Plant, which currently employs 1,500, making it one of the largest employers in the downriver community. In 2012, FCA US installed a flexible production line that allows the plant to build a variety of engine lines with minimal retooling.
Production of the new four-cylinder engine will begin third quarter of 2017. The engine will provide increased power, while improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. More detailed information about the engine’s specific application will be announced at a later date.
FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the