Dakkota Integrated Systems announced today that it will build a $55 million, 600,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Detroit and hire 625 employees. The new facility will be on the east side at the 32-acre site of the former Kettering High School and Rose Elementary School.
The company purchased the site from the Detroit Public Schools Community District for $2.6 million. Dakkota hopes to begin construction 60 days after all necessary approvals have been awarded—it’s seeking to rezone the site and receive an incentive package.
Dakkota is a tier-one automotive supplier, and the new facility will produce parts for Fiat Chrysler Automotive’ new Jeep assembly plant at Mack Avenue, also on the east side. FCA says it will bring 5,000 jobs to Detroit. The final details for that plant were approved in May.
Like the FCA plant, Dakkota’s will prioritize hiring Detroiters. The company says it will utilize the Detroit at Work employee pool and not discriminate against returning citizens by “banning the box.”
“We’re so proud to support FCA, provide employment opportunities in Detroit, and showcase world-class quality auto parts built by hardworking Detroiters,” Dakkota Integrated Systems CEO and President Andra Rush said in a release.
The plant is slated to open in late 2020.
