24 MiMfg Magazine July 2017
MFG Work
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Spartan Motors Celebrates New Charlotte Location
Spartan Motors , Inc ., a Charlottebased leader in the manufacturing of high-quality specialty chassis and vehicle assembly , celebrated the grand opening of its new , flexible manufacturing facility in June . Approximately 300 manufacturing workers , local leaders and media were in attendance to tour the facility and see up-close the plant ’ s production of the all-new 2018 Isuzu FTR Class 6 medium-duty truck .
The vehicle is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and maximize cargo space in order to serve the growing urban and last-mile delivery segments .
“ At Spartan , our core competencies are reflected through contract manufacturing and investment in the local communities ; and today ’ s ceremony represented that ,” said Daryl Adams , President and CEO , Spartan Motors . “ We are happy to have had the opportunity to celebrate our expanded alliance with Isuzu , which will bring more than 100 new jobs to the region , and recognize the great work our employees are doing to help improve efficiency for our customers .”
The new , 85,000-square-foot assembly plant represents a $ 6.5 million investment to the local community , and will bring nearly 100 jobs to Spartan Motors and the region .
“ It ’ s exciting to see such a brandnew , state-of-the-art facility make its home in Michigan ,” said Chuck Hadden , MMA president & CEO , who was in attendance for the grand opening . “ Not only does this investment provide about 100 new jobs to the state , it also positions Spartan to remain a leader in lean , flexible manufacturing processes that will keep it competitive and set an example for other forwardthinking manufacturers to follow .”
Above : The Spartan team at the grand opening of the new 85,000-square-foot flexible manufacturing facility in Charlotte .
Right : Spartan CEO Daryl Adams ( right of center ) with the Isuzu Team at the groundbreaking of the new plant .
Dow Chemical Bringing New Plant and New Jobs to Midland
Michigan-based global manufacturer Dow Chemical Company plans to move its silicones , sealants and adhesives plant — originally located in Greensboro , N . C . — to a manufacturing site in Midland . The move coincides with plans to hire 140 new employees ; mainly chemical process operators and logistics technicians .
According to the company statement , the move allows Dow to “ foster the integration of Dow and Dow Corning assets , materials and talent across the collective site .”
The North Carolina-to-Michigan move will include other assets from the Greensboro plant being moved to Midland .
“ Leaders chose Midland because of our talented work force , an outstanding safety culture , proximity to other processes related to silicone development and competitive incentives from the state of Michigan ,” said Rich Wells , site director of Dow ’ s Michigan operations , vice president of operations for Canada and US North , and a member of the MMA Board of Directors .