UPDATED: Chinese Automaker Could Open R&D Center in Plymouth Township

Plymouth Township Supervisor Richard Reaume announced that ChangAn Automotive, a manufacturer of small cars, will open a Research and Development Center in Plymouth Township in a nearly-vacant building on Halyard Drive, near Beck, next year. The goal is to run research and development operations from the site, and with other facets of vehicle development happening in other countries, Reaume said.

Reaume later clarified that the Plymouth Township location is one of several sites in North American being considered by the company. Patch is attempting to get ahold of the company for comment and clarification.

The R&D center will create 100 engineering jobs, and allow ChangAn to be closer to one of its largest clients, Ford Motor Company, which is headquartered in Dearborn.

“We’re excited to have this new business in our community,” said Reaume. “From what I’ve been told, the Chinese company is going to have operations where they feel the best talent is. They’re going to have a design center in Italy, other centers in Europe  -- but they feel the best research talent is here.”

The company made an official announcement in Southfield, along with the county.

ChangAn’s investment in a North American R&D center will give them the opportunity to utilize the skilled workforce of engineers Michigan has to offer, creating more jobs for the region, said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, who was able to secure a deal with the company during a trade mission to China.

“We’ve set out on this mission focused on bringing jobs back to Michigan and Wayne County,” said Ficano. “Each mission we embark on strengthens our bond with our Chinese government and businesses partners, and we continue to see tangible results, ChangAn’s investment the being the latest.”

Plymouth Township’s ability to lure the automaker within the city’s confines is because officials were willing to take part in tax breaks for the company. Though no abatements have been applied for by the company, Reaume believes the company will likely apply for personal property tax reductions, as well as MEGA credits, which will make a significant amount of employee and health care costs refundable.

The R&D center is expected to open next year in a space that will occupy 17,000 square feet, with room to expand.

Trade missions have become common for Ficano and other local leaders. Ficano is leading a 26-person delegation, which has visited three cities: Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, with plans to travel to Beijing later this week.

This is the sixth trade mission lead for Ficano.

ChangAn is one of China’s largest automotive companies, experiencing 284 percent growth over the past two decades, with revenues exceeding $4 billion. ChangAn’s vehicles will likely hit the market in about three years.

Township Supervisor Richard Reaume contacted Patch Wednesday to say that the Plymouth Township site is one of several sites ChangAn is considering for this facility. Patch is working on getting in touch with the automaker for clarification.