Auto supplier opens $10M plant

Auto supplier opens $10M plant

Gov. Rick Snyder tours the Autocam Marshall #2 plant, which is the result of a partnership between Autocam and Denso. Courtesy Autocam

An auto supplier has opened a $10-million plant in the region that’s expected to create 85 advanced manufacturing jobs.

Kentwood-based Autocam Corporation officially opened the 50,000-square-foot plant in Marshall, east of Battle Creek, last week with Governor Rick Snyder on hand.

Autocam has had a manufacturing presence in Marshall for the past 16 years.

The company makes precision machine components for automakers and tier 1 auto suppliers, including parts for fuel systems, power steering and other technologies related to mandated fuel-economy standards.

Fuel component partnership

The addition of the refurbished plant, Autocam Marshall 2, has doubled the footprint of Autocam’s Marshall presence.

Autocam said its Marshall plants are now capable of turning out more than $55 million per year in precision machine components and providing more than 170 highly skilled jobs.

Autocam Marshall 2 is the result of a partnership between Denso Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, a subsidiary of Denso International America, and Autocam for precision metal components that will be used in gasoline direct-injection fuel systems, which Denso will provide to automakers in North America.

Denso Corporation in Kariya, Japan is a global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components for the auto industry.

The Autocam-Denso partnership has led to significant growth for Autocam, with more than $20 million of revenue and 50 advanced manufacturing jobs occupying 45 percent of the plant. Autocam said additional projects will fully utilize the plant by 2018, ultimately generating more than $30 million of revenue and creating 85 jobs.

"Autocam's strategy for over 25 years has been to manufacture products that make our lives better," said John Kennedy, founder, president and CEO, Autocam Corporation. "Today, our customers are introducing fuel-saving technologies, such as gasoline direct injection, which is one of the most effective ways to meet the demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Snyder celebrated with the company last week.

"This is an exciting day for the community, region and our entire state," Snyder said. "In addition to the positive economic benefits, this project shows how the power of innovation and collaboration can drive success. It's this type of vision and hard work that is making Michigan the nation's ‘Comeback State.’ I commend the Autocam and Denso teams for their partnership and the city of Marshall for its support." 

Autocam globally

Autocam operates 15 plants and employs more than 2,000 employees in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

Kennedy said Autocam has invested more than $100 million in people, facilities and process technology, keeping the company positioned at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.