Gov. Rick Snyder: ZF North America expansion in Northville Township a $71 million investment creating 571 jobs

Tech center expansion to allow for design, develop and test vehicle components, systems

LANSING, Mich. – ZF North America is expanding its Michigan tech center operations in Northville Township, investing up to $71 million to add almost 210,000 square feet and create 571 jobs.

The company will receive a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund, approved on Tuesday.

“ZF is a global leader in the automotive space, one that is long-known for its top-tier transmissions,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “This new expansion adds to Michigan’s standing as the automotive leader of North America. This decision speaks to Michigan’s greatly improved business climate and our focus on improving our state’s skilled trades capabilities for the next generation of the auto industry.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved the MBDP incentive of up to $4 million to support the expansion in Michigan rather than South Carolina. The move was announced Tuesday by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

ZF North America, Inc., a subsidiary of ZF Friedrichshafen AG headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a worldwide leader in driveline and chassis technology. The company has more than 8,300 employees in 20 facilities throughout North America, and plans to expand its technical center in the Northville Township to allow for additional research and development services to design, develop and test new vehicle components and systems.

“The ZF North America expansion will add significantly to the company’s base of more than 1,200 Michiganders and signals once more that Michigan is the place for serious automotive investment,” MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said. “Gov. Snyder met with ZF executives in Germany and easily sold them on Michigan’s reinvention and our commitment to building our state’s world-class workforce.”

The project will generate a total capital investment of nearly $71.2 million and create 571 jobs. Northville Township has offered support in the form of property tax abatement. People interested in career opportunities with ZF should visit the company’s website.

“Michigan has been home to ZF’s North American headquarters for more than 15 years and we are excited to continue our growth in the state and in the industries we serve,” said Julio Caspari, president, ZF North America, Inc.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.