Southeast Michigan, Advancing Together

SEMCOG recently brought together communicators from throughout the region to share innovative ideas and stories that illustrate how local government can make a positive difference. During this gathering of what we are calling the Southeast Michigan Communicators Network, one of these stories came from the City of Center Line. In it, a near loss was turned into a record-breaking victory for the city and the region.

Sodecia USA is a Tier I automotive supplier with manufacturing based in Center Line. Recently, Sodecia USA, needing to expand its operation, considered moving elsewhere. In other words, Center Line and Southeast Michigan were thrown into competition to retain a major employer.

To prevent a major blow to the city’s tax base, Center Line City Manager Dennis Champine reached out to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Macomb County Department of Economic Development. Together, they determined the necessary steps for Sodecia USA to obtain an Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Exemption, a key incentive that would encourage the company to not only stay in Center Line but make a major investment in the community.

This set the wheels in motion for Sodecia USA to establish its North American headquarters in Center Line. With an $80 million investment, the company will build out a new 66,000 square foot manufacturing facility and 27,600 square foot administrative office building. Additional phases of investment are planned for the coming years, but even without them, this would be the largest business investment in the city’s history.

Sodecia USA investment – Phase I. Construction anticipated in Spring 2016.

While the benefits of a major company’s long-term investment are obvious for Center Line and Macomb County, the entire region will share in this success. Like setbacks, opportunities are not limited to the local communities. Impacts of investment (jobs, residents, etc.) ripple throughout the region’s economy. This is why Partnering for Prosperity, SEMCOG’s newly approved economic development strategy, includes Expanding Trade and Investment and Supporting Business Growth among its strategies to promote regional economic growth.

After hearing this story, representatives from throughout Southeast Michigan were excited to learn about Center Line’s success because we all share the goal of making this region successful. With a focus on distributing key information, building relationships, and sharing best practices, the Southeast Michigan Communicators Network will continue to work together to amplify the important and positive things happening in our region. I encourage a representative of your community to join us in this effort. For more information, contact Trevor Layton.