American Axle plans $133M upgrade at Three Rivers facility

One of St. Joseph County’s largest employers has received incentives from the state as it works to upgrade its Three Rivers facility.

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. is working on a $132.9 million upgrade project at its facility in Three Rivers, according to a memo from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The project will include getting new machinery and upgrading its roof, HVAC system and wastewater treatment system. It will also include interior and exterior renovations.

The Michigan Strategic Fund with the MEDC on Tuesday approved a 5-year, 100% state essential services assessment exemption, which is estimated to be worth almost $1 million.

“These investments are necessary to insure the ongoing competitiveness of the plant infrastructure and advanced manufacturing processes that our highly skilled workforce relies on to meet the strict, highly demanding requirements of our OEM (original equipment manufacturer) costumers,” American Axle Director of Government Affairs John Matton said during Tuesday’s MSF meeting. “As those familiar with the automotive industry know, this is an extremely challenging period, in which every business decision must count.”

American Axle is the county’s largest employer of union workers, according to the state, with 1,100 workers at the Three Rivers facility. The automotive supply company has about 80 facilities across 18 countries.