PRESS RELEASE
April 12, 2021
Magna Cosma Casting Expansion Planned for Battle Creek, Mich., Facility
• Magna plans to invest $31.9M in Battle Creek, Mich., facility and create 68 new jobs.
• Magna will participate in the BC TRAIN talent attraction program for some of the new hires.
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to announce that Magna is considering expanding its Cosma Casting Michigan manufacturing operation in Battle Creek’s Fort Custer Industrial Park. Magna provides a comprehensive range of body, chassis, and engineering solutions to global automotive customers, including high-pressure aluminum castings from its Battle Creek facility, which contributes to lighter vehicles with reduced environmental impact. Magna will seek a local tax-abatement for the expansion. If approved, this project would generate more than $31,900,0000 in investments at the site. In addition, Magna would hire 68 new employees over the next three years, with starting wages between $15 – $35 per hour, depending on position.
“Magna has been a proud member of the Battle Creek community since 2013, and we’re pleased to have an opportunity to expand our operations and continue supporting our customers with great products,” said Bryan Bowersox, general manager of Cosma Casting Michigan. “In addition, this expansion is about our employees and the team. We strive to attract, develop and retain the best talent by providing a challenging and rewarding environment in which to grow both personally and professionally.”
As part of the expansion and additional jobs, Magna will participate in BCU’s Battle Creek TRAIN (Talent Retention, Attraction, and Inclusion iNcentive) program, which is a partnership between BCU and Battle Creek-area companies designed to attract employees to the city of Battle Creek. “We are pleased that Magna is considering Battle Creek as the site of their expansion. We are also excited to partner with them on the BC TRAIN program to bring additional employees and residents to Battle Creek. Battle Creek is a great place to do business and this announcement is another example of that.” said Shabaka Gibson, Vice President at Battle Creek Unlimited.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project with a six-mill State Education Tax exemption estimated at $309,000 over 12 years. “Magna’s continued investment in Michigan means good jobs for our residents and further solidifies our state’s continued leadership in advanced automotive manufacturing and mobility,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President Josh Hundt. “We’re pleased to work with our local partners and support this expansion as we continue to work toward economic recovery for all Michiganders.”
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Magna’s current facility, located at 10 Clark Road N., will be expanded by roughly 50,000 square feet to support additional manufacturing for the automotive sector. Before choosing Battle Creek, Magna considered other locations around the country. The company will be hiring a mix of engineering, project management, and skilled employees. The company plans to begin recruiting employees soon. Interested applicants can visit www.magna.com/company/careers.
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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Established in 1972, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is a private, non-profit corporation which serves as the economic development arm for the City of Battle Creek and manages the Fort Custer Industrial Park. The Fort Custer Industrial Park is home to over 80 businesses, including 25 international companies, and employs over 13,000 people. BCU’s mission is to build a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation.
CONTACT
Shabaka Gibson
Battle Creek Unlimited www.bcunlimited.org TEL 269-579-2576 gibson@bcunlimited.org
