From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2009 4:02 PM
Subject: What the Governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Thursday, December 17, 2009
 
Governor Speaks at Magna, Chrysler Events Celebrating Michigan Investments
 
The governor spoke today at events in Grand Blanc Township and Auburn Hills to celebrate investments in Michigan by Magna Electronics and Chrysler.
 
This morning the governor joined Magna Electronics President Carlos Mazzorin at the company’s Grand Blanc Township facility.  Magna is investing more than $70 million to expand its existing facility and develop an adjacent brownfield facility to begin producing next-generation motors and state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems for hybrid and electric vehicles. 
 
On Tuesday the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a tax credit for the project which will create 525 direct jobs and an estimated 1,241 indirect jobs.
 
The governor said the Flint area has “a wonderful history of manufacturing the automobile with the internal combustion engine.  But now, the transformation to produce the next vehicle – with the next vehicle being the electric vehicle – that’s a great story for this community, a community that has been disproportionately battered by the challenges the auto industry has been experiencing.”
 
“For the 525 people who will be newly employed – on behalf of them, thank you,” the governor said.  “And on behalf of the 10 million citizens in Michigan, for whom this represents a huge beacon of hope, thank you.”
 
In Auburn Hills, the governor and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne celebrated Chrysler’s $179 million investment in its Dundee engine plant to build a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine for the Fiat 500 minicar.  The project will create 155 direct jobs and an estimated 418 indirect jobs with production slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
Chrysler’s investment also was aided by a state tax credit, and the governor pledged that the state would continue to work with Chrysler to develop a strong business case for future investment.
 
Key messages:
 
•  Today’s celebrations are further evidence that our economic strategy to focus on economic sectors such as alternative energy and advanced manufacturing is working.  This strategy capitalizes on Michigan’s existing strengths in automotive research and manufacturing.
 
•  Magna’s project supports our vision of making Michigan a center for vehicle electrification, with Magna producing next-generation motors and state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems for hybrid and electric vehicles.
 
•  Chrysler’s project, which features a flexible workforce, aligns with our strategy to make Michigan a leader in 21st century advanced manufacturing.
 
•  Strong partnerships between the state and local communities also are necessary to secure investments like these in Michigan.
 
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