Magneti Marelli Holding USA announced that its exhaust system manufacturing plant located in Independence Township, Mich., near Clarkston, recently celebrated its official opening.
“The inauguration of the Independence Township plant is a significant milestone for Magneti Marelli,” said Magneti Marelli Holding USA President and CEO Stephane Vedie. “With the addition of the exhaust plant, each of the company’s business lines is now represented in North America, providing and expanding footprint to serve our customers here and around the world.”
“For all its business areas, Magneti Marelli has a footprint that is fitting the key customers’ needs and enables a strategic positioning on the global automobile market,” said Eugenio Razelli, CEO of Magneti Marelli. “The Exhaust business, with a very significant presence in Europe, South America and, since few years, also in China and India, is now adding an important presence also in the U.S.”
The company says the new plant strengthens Magneti Marelli’s position in North America adding to its competencies that include automotive lighting, powertrain, electronic systems, suspension systems, aftermarket and motorsport. The 100,000-plus-square-foot plant located in suburban Detroit is the first Michigan manufacturing facility for the company, whose North American headquarters is in nearby Auburn Hills. Employing 75 people, the plant manufactures hot end exhaust manifold integrated with catalytic converters and will reach a production capacity of about 300,000 units per year.
All manufacturing operations are performed on-site, including forming of the canister in which catalyst materials are inserted, and robotic welding of the various components to create the finished product. The plant’s first important project is related to Fiat Chrysler platforms.
The plant also is home to Magneti Marelli Aftermarket North America, which is responsible for the “Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar” All Makes Parts Program. This All Makes program enables Chrysler Group dealerships to service all vehicle makes and models, as well as offer product to independent repair facilities.