LANSING, Mich. -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer today joined business, state and local officials for a tour of Lear Corporation’s facilities in Flint, highlighting the global automotive seating manufacturer’s longstanding commitment to Michigan and the value the company brings to the state’s leadership in automotive supply chains.

"As we continue to grow Michigan’s economy, Lear Corporation’s continued investment in Flint, and across the state, underscores the strength of our robust automotive ecosystem and supply chain and our longstanding heritage as a global manufacturing leader,” said Governor Whitmer. “Lear is committed to creating good jobs for our workforce in Michigan and we remain committed to ensuring their long-term growth and success in our state.”

 Lear Corporation, founded in 1917 in Detroit and currently headquartered in Southfield, is a manufacturer of complete seating and electrical systems for automobiles. In 2017, Lear announced it was constructing a 160,000-square-foot building at the location of the former administration building at Buick City, north of downtown Flint. The $29.3 million project created 525 new jobs in the state, supported by a $4.35-million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.  

“It’s an exciting time for the industry and for Lear,” said Lear President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Scott. “With a 100-year plus history, we are eager to help Michigan continue as the hub of automotive excellence by supplying world-class products for our customers, growing jobs for residents and strengthening our community presence. These goals become reality only when you have great teamwork and true collaboration among Governor Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, local municipalities, and our union partners. We are honored to be part of this growth and change in Michigan.”  

The work of Lear Corporation in Michigan is helping to drive the state’s ongoing reputation as a leader in mobility and automotive manufacturing, with 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers to North America having a presence in the state, including 71 suppliers, including Lear, calling Michigan home to their headquarters.  

“We are extremely proud that Lear Corporation continues to invest in, and call Michigan home,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt, who joined Governor Whitmer for the tour. “As we work to create economic wins in our automotive sector and for communities across our state, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Lear to create upward economic mobility for the Flint community and beyond.”

SOURCE: State of Michigan