Tier 1 supplier Magna has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in St. Clair, Michigan, that will build complex battery enclosures for the all-new 2022 GMC Hummer EV.

The construction of the 345,000 square-foot facility, named Magna Electric Vehicle Structures, is part of more than a $70 million (Rs 518 crore) investment that will create more than 300 jobs in the city of St. Clair over the next five years.

The new facility will produce battery enclosure that contributes to the structural and safety aspects of a vehicle’s frame and protects high-voltage batteries from damage and water. Magna can develop these advanced assemblies in steel, aluminium, and multi-material configurations, including lightweight composites, to meet the individual needs of its customers.

John Farrell, president, Cosma International, Magna’s body and chassis group said: “Bringing this new battery enclosure technology to market is another example of Magna’s ability to deliver a full-system solution to automakers supporting their focus on a lower emissions future. The move toward electrification allows us to rethink what is possible and demonstrate how we can leverage our core strengths to continue bringing customers innovative solutions that help them meet their goals, no matter how challenging.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said: “This investment by Magna will create great jobs for our state’s talented workforce as we continue to implement our Michigan Back to Work plan to get Michiganders back on their feet. This announcement reaffirms Michigan is transforming along with the automotive industry to ensure the next generation of mobility and electrification is designed, developed, tested, and built right here in our state.”

Magna, through its body and chassis product group, has long been among the leading players in vehicle structures, providing a comprehensive range of capabilities and engineering solutions to global customers. This new business with GM marks an important evolution as the company expands its capabilities in all aspects of the vehicle electrification space. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in early 2022. It will mark Magna’s 25th manufacturing facility in Michigan.