Magna’s new US$70 mn Michigan plant to support EV market

Mobility tech company Magna has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in St. Clair, Michigan, that will build complex battery enclosures for General Motor’s all-new 2022 GMC Hummer electric vehicle (EV).

Construction of the 345,000 sq-ft facility, named Magna Electric Vehicle Structures, represents more than a US$70 million investment that is expected to bring more than 300 jobs to the city of St. Clair over the next five years.

The battery enclosure contributes to the structural and safety aspects of a vehicle’s frame and protects high-voltage batteries from damage and water. Magna can develop these advanced assemblies in steel, aluminium, and multi-material configurations, including lightweight composites, to meet the individual needs of its customers.

“Bringing this new battery enclosure technology to market is another example of Magna’s ability to deliver a full-system solution to automakers supporting their focus on a lower emissions future,” said John Farrell, President of Cosma International, Magna’s body and chassis group. “The move toward electrification allows us to rethink what is possible and demonstrate how we can leverage our core strengths to continue bringing customers innovative solutions that help them meet their goals, no matter how challenging.”

“This investment by Magna will create great jobs for our state’s talented workforce as we continue to implement our Michigan Back to Work plan to get Michiganders back on their feet,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This announcement reaffirms Michigan is transforming along with the automotive industry to ensure the next generation of mobility and electrification is designed, developed, tested, and built right here in our state.”

Magna, through its body and chassis product group, has long been an industry leader in vehicle structures, providing a comprehensive range of capabilities and engineering solutions to global customers. This new business with GM marks an important evolution as the company expands its capabilities in all aspects of the vehicle electrification space.

Production at the new plant is expected to begin in early 2022. It will mark Magna’s 25^th manufacturing facility in Michigan.

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