Rochester Hills, Michigan – The City of Rochester Hills is pleased to announce that WABCO North America, LLC, a tier-one supplier to the global commercial vehicle industry, plans to invest over $2 million for a new Product Development Center in order to meet the company’s goal of growing its engineering capabilities in the United States. The expansion is expected to create up to 100 new jobs, paying an average annual salary of nearly $80,000. State tax credits were offered by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority along with two-year tax abatement by Rochester Hills to secure the investment for Michigan.
“We are delighted to establish our new product development center in Rochester Hills, where we can grow our engineering capabilities to design and deliver commercial vehicle technologies that better serve customers in North America,” states Frank Impson, Controller, WABCO North America LLC.
The City of Rochester Hills granted a two-year abatement of personal property, with future consideration of an extension up to six additional years should the company choose to transfer its operation to another facility in the community or remain in its location.
“WABCO chose Rochester Hills as their home over sites in Indiana, Ontario and several other Michigan locations, and we couldn’t be more pleased,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “We have been extremely successful in our business attraction efforts in the past year, having the lowest unemployment rate in Oakland County; and with WABCO starting a new Engineering division, 2011 is off to a good start as well.”
Founded in 1869, WABCO has pioneered innovative electronic, mechanical and mechatronic technologies for braking, stability, and transmission automation systems supplied to commercial truck, trailer and bus manufacturers. WABCO’s executive offices are in Piscataway, New Jersey, and the company has 8,100 employees in 31 countries with 18 plant locations.
For more information about WABCO, visit their website at http://www.wabco- auto.com
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine and RelocateAmerica.com, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. Through the city’s focus on health, education and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.
About Tom and Ann Gendich