Lear Corporation will expand its operations center with construction of a 150,000-square-foot building, north of downtown Flint, at the former administration building site at Buick City, Michigan.

“We are proud to be growing in our home state and keeping manufacturing jobs in America,” said Ray Scott, Lear Executive Vice President & President of Seating Operations. “This expansion of capacity reflects the positive outlook we have for our business, and will contribute to the revitalization of Flint, Michigan.”

Lear plans to begin construction in the fall with operations starting next spring, which will mark the return of auto manufacturing to the iconic location for the first time since 1999. According to state officials, Michigan was selected over Mexico for the subassembly portion of the project cost.

As an incentive, MSF board approved a $4.35-million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to support Lear’s $29.3-million capital investment at the site, which includes the subassembly and final assembly of automotive seats. In addition, 435 jobs will be created at the assembly plant. In addition, the City of Flint offered a tax abatement to reduce the overall project.

“We are proud to partner with Lear on this exciting new project,” said Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. “This project will provide hundreds of hard-working Flint residents an opportunity to obtain good paying jobs within the city limits. We are happy to welcome another new company to Flint, and look forward to the boost it will give our local economy. It’s been a long time coming.”

“Lear’s presence here will continue the rich automotive history that’s been a part of our region for decades,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber looks forward to working with Lear and providing the support that the company needs to be successful in Flint.”