Ford supplier Flex-N-Gate plans to bring 750 jobs to Detroit

Image 1 of 3

A new automotive supplier will be headed to Detroit and brings with it hundreds of jobs.

It is called Flex-N-Gate - and it's one of the main suppliers for Ford Motor Co.  The owner says that this expansion is necessary to accommodate added work for the auto company.

The big announcement comes at a $3.5 million grant as that is given out to help them open the planned Detroit plant. The new facility, would be built on a 30-acre lot at the I-94 industrial park on Georgia Street.

The supplier expects to have upwards of 750 jobs to fill once the plant is open.

It is estimated the cost is about $95 million. They are still conducting environmental studies and assessing infrastructure needs before finalizing the land purchase.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will formally announce details of the plan late there morning along with the company's owner.

Potential additional investment in the project could push the project to at least $100 million according to a release.  Khan said the project will create at least 400 and up to 650 new jobs in Detroit over the next three years; at full capacity, up to 750 total jobs could be added.

Flex-N-Gate, is a top global auto supplier of exterior trim components, aluminum and steel modular stamped body in white and chassis assemblies, lighting and other OEM automotive products.

“We’re proud that Flex-N-Gate is investing in Detroit, and in the people of Detroit,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “Detroit’s resurgence is an important part of the Michigan comeback. Companies around the world recognize that our state is the global leader in automotive, and with good reason. We have a talented workforce that is passionate about keeping our state at the center of the industry for generations to come.”

Mayor Duggan said this investment was made possible because of a strong partnership between the State and City to attract the project. He also praised Flex-N-Gate for its commitment to local hiring.

“Nothing is more important to our city than creating jobs for Detroiters,” said Mayor Duggan.  “The fact that Flex-N-Gate has committed to such a strong local hiring and contracting plan shows the company’s deep level of commitment to being a partner with the community.”

Khan also praised the new partnership.

“Our news today from Detroit is further evidence that the United States auto industry is strong, promising and experiencing exceptional growth,” said Shahid Khan.  “Building a new plant from the ground up within the Detroit city limits will be a milestone moment for Flex-N-Gate, made possible thanks to our partnership and collaboration with Ford, the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.

“We couldn’t do this alone,” said Khan. “Their collective support and vision to convert a neglected urban area into a manufacturing center that will create hundreds of new, sustainable and well-paying jobs here in Detroit has been nothing short of spectacular.  We are grateful and looking forward to seeing this project become a reality.”

“We are proud to work with Flex-N-Gate, the City of Detroit and State of Michigan, to bring good paying jobs to the city. We value our relationships with suppliers, and appreciate the commitment Flex-N-Gate has made to Ford Motor Company and the local area,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, global purchasing.

The 189-acre I-94 Industrial Park is under control of EDC.  Since 2000, EDC has overseen the property acquisition, clean up and development of the land.  The Park’s first major new tenant, LINC Logistics, opened a new $30-million, $500,000-square-foot facility immediately adjacent to the Flex-N-Gate site earlier this year.

"I'm excited to have this project and these jobs come to the East Side of Detroit and I'm looking forward to working with Flex-N-Gate and the community to make sure this project is successful," said Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson, who represents Council District 3, where the new facility will be located.