Seating and electrical distribution system supplier Lear has announced that it will develop a new innovation and design centre in Detroit (Michigan, United States), expected to bring 150 new jobs. In a company statement, Lear says that it intends to develop a six-storey, 35,000-square-foot historic building in the city into a new centre to house "programs and facilities for automotive innovation, a non-automotive new-business incubator, a think tank, creative design studio, an art gallery, Lear executive satellite offices, conference and meeting space, and a rooftop garden." Lear targets completion of renovation construction by the end of 2016. The company also intends for the centre to collaborate with two nearby universities, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) and the Wayne State University (WSU) College of Engineering. In its statement, president and CEO Matthew Simoncini said, "We will be working with CCS to capitalize on our unique fabric, leather, and sewing expertise to produce the next generation of car seating and vehicle interiors as well as select non-automotive applications. We will also be working with WSU to expand our industry-leading electrical distribution systems and capabilities including connected car and alternative energy vehicle applications." This is the second building Lear has purchased in downtown Detroit, with indications that the first building, a seven-story structure known as the Hemmeter Building, may be used as a satellite services office.
Significance: Lear did not disclose the purchase price for the building or the amount it intends to invest in renovating the new building, which is in the Capitol Park area of Detroit. CCS is also a top school for automotive and transportation design, as well as other creative studies. Lear's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, and the company is actively looking to be part of a revitalisation of the downtown Detroit area. Lear is also expanding its electrical unit, actively looking for acquisitions.
