Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Corporation plans to expand its current manufacturing facility in Traverse City to manufacture components related to an electric vehicle battery pack. The expansion includes more than $28 million of capital investment and will create 79 new advanced manufacturing jobs. 

The project is part of a larger statewide Lear expansion expected to generate a total capital investment of $112.5 million and create up to 500 jobs, supported by a $4.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a 15-year, 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $1.9 million in support of the project. Michigan was chosen for the project over other competing sites.

Lear is planning to manufacture battery disconnect units and other vehicle electrification sub-systems for advanced batteries that will be supplied to automakers. The components control power transfer from a vehicle’s battery to its electrical systems, allowing EVs to charge faster and driver farther while delivering the higher performance requirements needed to power SUVs and light-duty trucks. 

“We are pleased that our efforts and partnership with Traverse Connect has brought job growth to the Traverse City manufacturing sector. The growth of Lear Corporation in Traverse City is an exciting development supports our goal of driving economic prosperity and quality of life for our citizens,” said Traverse City Manager Marty Colburn in a statement.

Lear Corporation employs more than 160,000 people at 235 facilities in 38 countries, including 13 sites and about 3,800 team members in Michigan.