Multi-brand Engine Factory Planned for Dundee

DUNDEE, Michigan February 17, 2004; the AP reported that a new $323 million engine factory -- a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler AG, Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. -- was announced Tuesday by state and company officials.

The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant will be the second on a 270-acre (108-hectare) southeast Michigan site, pairing with an already announced engine factory expected to begin production in 2005. The 450,000-square-foot (40,500-square-meter) addition is expected to open in 2006 and will add an estimated 250 jobs to the GEMA complex, company officials said.

GEMA was created to build a new family of fuel-efficient, four-cylinder engines.

Company officials estimate the two plants could employ about 500 workers combined. State officials say the expansion could provide more than 800 jobs, including spinoff employment, in the next 20 years.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. provided an incentives package to secure the expansion, including tax credits worth up to $21.6 million over 20 years and up to $400,000 in job training grants.

DaimlerChrysler AG, http://www.daimlerchrysler.com

Hyundai Motor Co., http://www.hyundaiusa.com

Mitsubishi Motors Corp., http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/