Three companies-Detroit Diesel, GKN Driveline North America and Teleperformance USA- will invest nearly $86 million in expansion projects estimated to create 600 jobs in Redford Township, Auburn Hills and Cascade Charter Township, Michigan.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation said as an incentive the firms received Michigan Strategic Fund approval for $1.85 million in Michigan Business Development Program in incentives, in addition to local tax abatements.

“Michigan is an increasingly attractive destination for new business investments that are creating new jobs across the state,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “These three projects add to the momentum of our efforts to revitalize our state and bring new jobs to our communities. Our improved business climate is gaining notice by business leaders and these new investments and new jobs are the benefits of the reforms we put in place.”

Daimler Group Member, Detroit Diesel Corporation, a manufacturer of heavy duty diesel engines for the commercial truck market, plans to expand manufacturing and assembly capacity at its current facility in Redford Township to include production of the new asymmetric turbocharger as well as truck transmission assembly. The company plans to invest up to $77.2 million and create 50 new jobs, resulting in a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program incentive. Michigan was chosen over a sister facility in Mexico. As an additional incentive, Redford Township has offered a 12-year property tax abatement valued at $6.6 million.

GKN Driveline North America, is a subsidiary of British-based GKN plc, an automotive supplier, plans to expand its existing automotive engineering and testing services operations in Auburn Hills, investing $5.1 million and creating 50 new jobs. As a result, the company is being awarded a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program incentive in the form of a performance-based grant. In addition, the City of Auburn Hills has offered a property tax abatement.

French-based Teleperformance USA, a leading provider of customer contact solutions, plans to open a new inbound customer care center to support one of the nation’s leading telecommunications companies in Cascade Charter Township. The company plans to invest nearly $3.8 million and create up to 500 new jobs, resulting in a $600,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The Right Place, Inc., the West Michigan non-profit economic development organization, also offered staff time and resources in support of the project.

“Today’s projects all mean more jobs and greater economic opportunities for people across Michigan,” said MEDC president and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We have greatly improved Michigan’s business climate and infrastructure, creating new paths to business growth, and these changes are showing strong results.”