Congratulations AxleTech (and General Dynamics)

AxleTech International, a General Dynamics company, has opened its new state-of-the-art world headquarters facility to deliver systems and components for heavy-duty military vehicles.

Located near the company's old headquarters in southern Troy, Mich., AxleTech's new facility encompasses 210,000 square feet and will be staffed by nearly 200 production and professional employees. The new facility will house the product development and manufacturing groups for AxleTech's original equipment and aftermarket equipment business as well as the company's gear and brake operations.

"AxleTech has experienced steady growth over the last few years and our new headquarters facility will enhance our ability to produce, deliver and service high-quality products for our customers worldwide," says Mary Petrovich, general manager and senior executive of AxleTech. "The co-location of AxleTech's expertise in design, development, testing, sales and service in our new Troy facility will allow us to exceed customer expectations for customized applications and speed to market."

More than 300 employees, suppliers, and government officials attended the grand opening ceremony, including U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Michigan State Senator John Pappageorge, and Oakland, Mich. County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

"AxleTech is adding skilled workers, helping Michigan to lead in advanced manufacturing, and providing more proof that fighting for the auto industry and its workers while it restructured was the right thing to do for Michigan jobs," says Rep. Peters. "We need to do everything in our power to fight for companies like AxleTech that are investing in America and creating jobs in America."

The new AxleTech facility will initially house three major functions. First, the new facility will be a global distribution center for heavy-duty commercial and military vehicle parts. Over 30,000 parts will ship annually from the new facility to sustain and service vehicles around the world. Second, the company's assembly operation for truck trailer brakes will now be located in Troy. Combined with the manufacture of original equipment brake systems in Troy, AxleTech's Truck Trailer Transit brake assembly operation will provide parts and remanufacturing services for a variety of customers including operators of buses and other vehicles from municipalities across the United States. Third, the company's new engineering and technical center will provide customers with timely product prototyping, testing, development, and quality assurance in one location.