The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is welcoming the world headquarters of Henniges Automotive, a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry, to the ranks of international corporations located here. Currently located in Farmington Hills, with operations in North America, Europe and China, Henniges Automotive employs 4,500 associates worldwide with 141 professional and technical associates located at the world headquarters facility. Henniges has recently hired about 20 associates and expects continued growth in Auburn Hills.
“Moving to Auburn Hills will allow Henniges the opportunity to create an exceptional world headquarters facility that meets our specific needs in both size and work space design,” says Henniges’ CEO, Robert DePierre. “It will also allow us the unique opportunity to design a facility that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, which was an important part of our decision to build. We are looking forward to working with the City of Auburn Hills, Schostak Brothers and General Development on this exciting project and look forward to an ongoing positive relationship with the local community as well.”
The Henniges headquarters will be 55,000 square feet and is located on High Meadow Circle in the Oakland Technology Park, near the intersection of I-75 and University. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by June 2012. Livonia-based Schostak Brothers and Company, Inc. is the building owner and developer and General Development is the general contractor.
“We are very pleased to bring such an excellent company like Henniges Automotive to Auburn Hills and Oakland Technology Park,” offers Jeffrey Schostak, Director of Corporate Real Estate Services for Schostak. “This is another example that business is starting to pick up here in Michigan and that the auto companies are back on the right track.”
Oakland Technology Park was formed in 2010, following the purchase of 211 acres by SE Michigan-based developers General Development, L.L.C. and Premier Equities from the former Chrysler Corporation. At the time, Oakland Technology Park was said to represent a new era of future development for Auburn Hills. Even at this young stage, that is proving to be the case.
“Henniges is exactly the type of company we thought would be attracted to the Oakland Technology Park – an industry leader that wants a globally recognized business address,” acknowledges Bruce Brickman, Principal of General Development. “USFarathane was the first company to break ground in Oakland Technology Park in May 2010 and they are thriving at this new location. In addition to Henniges, we also have other significant deals in the advanced stages of discussion, so there’s no question that Oakland Technology Park’s presence in the local market is gaining attention.”
Auburn Hills City Manager Pete Auger says the fast growth of the Oakland Technology Park confirms the City’s appeal to business, especially those with global operations.
“With 40 international companies from 32 different countries located in Auburn Hills, we have earned the right early in our City’s history to call Auburn Hills the premier global manufacturing address in the Midwest,” states Auger. “Our success in attracting Henniges and other national and international manufacturers to the City, either directly or through developers, reaffirms that the Auburn Hills Advantage includes our reputation for being nimble, resourceful and business-friendly.”
Auger adds that Henniges’ aim for LEED Certification will be supported by the City, which was the first in Michigan to have a policy that encourages and assists developers in seeking LEED certification.
“Even companies that aren’t as aggressive in obtaining LEED certification as Henniges tend to surpass their initial goals for energy efficiencies because Auburn Hills’ personnel have the knowledge to guide them during the building process,” explains Auger.
Financing for the new Henniges world headquarters is through the PrivateBank.
“The PrivateBank is proud to support Michigan’s return to strength by providing the financing that will help Schostak Brothers bring this project to life and provide Henniges Automotive with the foundation for continued growth,” offers Gregg Speaks, Managing Director, Commercial Real Estate at The PrivateBank.
About Henniges Automotive
Henniges Automotive is a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry. With engineering, manufacturing and supply chain expertise, Henniges Automotive uniquely accommodates customers’ needs and provides advanced engineering processes that create smart, safe and secure vehicles. Henniges designs, manufactures and sells a complete line of highly engineered vehicle sealing systems. The Company’s products seal interior compartments of the vehicle from water, dust, and air leakage and reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. In addition to sealing, Henniges produces anti-vibration systems and glass encapsulation modules. The Company operates 11 manufacturing plants and 4 engineering and technology centers in North America, Europe and China. Henniges was formed in 2007. Learn more at www.hennigesautomotive.com.
About Schostak Brothers & Company, Inc.
Four generations of the Schostak family, including its founder Louis H. Schostak, his son,Jerome L. Schostak, his grandsons, Robert, David and Mark, and now his great-grandson, Jeffrey have established a real estate leadership tradition. Schostak Brothers currently operates commercial properties in 19 states as a full-service real estate development, management, leasing and consulting company. Since 1920, the company’s activities have included development, acquisitions and leasing of retail, office, industrial, residential and mixed use projects, both urban and suburban. Schostak’s current activities include joint ventures, build to suit projects, mixed use developments and a variety of necessity-based retail and open air centers located throughout the United States. Learn more at www.schostak.com.
About General Development Company
Southfield-based General Development Company has been in business since 1983 as a full service real estate developer. GDC offers construction management, general contracting, property management, distressed asset management, and design and build-to-suit development services for all industrial and commercial requirements. Learn more at www.gendev.com.
About Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills is home to more than 21,000 residents and also serves as Michigan’s global business address, with 40 international corporations from 32 countries housed here, including Chrysler Group LLC and Borg Warner headquarters. Auburn Hills’ residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award winning Palace of Auburn Hills entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state’s largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at www.auburnhills.org.