Dana says it is to open a new axle manufacturing facility in Toledo, Ohio, with the site previously home to Willys-Overland Motors, which developed the original Jeep and located less than three miles from FCA’s US Assembly Complex.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority redeveloped the property in conjunction with NAI Harmon Group.
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Dana plans to expand a recently constructed 100,000 square foot facility on the property to nearly 300,000 square feet. During the next few years, the company plans to invest around US$70m and employ more than 300 workers by 2020.
“Dana has remained committed to metropolitan Toledo, its home for nearly 90 years,” said Dana president and CEO, James Kamsickas. “In 2015, we strengthened our commitment to the area by consolidating numerous satellite offices in the region into our expanded World Headquarters and Technology Centre in Maumee.
“The investment in this new manufacturing facility is another example of Dana’s commitment to the city and our community. It is an honour for Dana to return manufacturing to the same historic site where Toledo’s automotive industry began more than 100 years ago.”
In addition to its partnership with the Jeep brand, the expanded Toledo facility will support axle assembly for another, unnamed global automaker.
Beginning in late 2017, Dana plans to assemble enhanced versions of its industry-recognized 30 and 44 axles, which it says, will deliver increased power density and performance in a smaller package. Future axle programmes and assembly lines are also possible.
To support the project, Dana received financial and other assistance from the State of Ohio and Jobs Ohio, the Regional Growth Partnership, Lucas County, the City of Toledo, the Port Authority and First Energy.
Dana’s decision to locate the new facility in Toledo is subject to the formal approvals of financial incentives by State and local entities, which are expected later this month.
