LANSING, Michigan– An automobile seat manufacturer has announced plans to create a new facility in Highland Park, investing $18 million and creating 420 new jobs.

“As a Highland Parker, I am delighted by this news,” said State Senator Martha G. Scott. “This is a great investment, and I look forward to welcoming Magna Seating of America to my city.”

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) awarded a seven-year employment tax break to Magna Seating of America, valued at $4.5 million, to help secure the project. The new multi-product production facility will result in the creation of 420 new jobs over the next five years paying an average weekly wage of $579 and include a capital investment of $18 million. The company also will offer healthcare benefits and pay a portion of the benefit costs.

It is estimated that this facility will generate a total of 1,414 jobs in the state by the year 2015. Total state government revenues through the year 2015, net of MEGA costs, would be increased by $4.6 million due to the presence of this facility.

The City of Highland Park will support the project by offering personal property tax abatement estimated at $1.58 million.

Magna Seating of America also considered Windsor, Ontario, Canada for this project. Magna Seating of America is a Tier 1 automotive supplier of full seating systems and seating hardware systems. The company’s capabilities include full concept development, design and engineering, testing and validation, and world-class manufacturing operations. The company has operations in North America, Europe and Asia. The company currently has 280 employees in Michigan.

# # #

Senator Scott represents the 2nd Senate District, which includes areas of Detroit and the cities of Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Highland Park and all of the Grosse Pointes. She serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.