VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - Stellantis is investing $388 million to build a state of the art “Megahub” in Van Buren Township.
The new Metro Detroit Megahub will be the new storage and distribution facility for Mopar parts.
Among the cutting-edge technology will be AutoShare automated storage and retrieval systems. AutoShare houses robots to retrieve parts from a “high-density grid of storage bins” and deliver them to employees’ workstations, where they can be packed and processed for shipment. Stellantis officials said the automation will improve speed and accuracy for orders, as well as maximizing storage efficiency.
“Our customers count on us to deliver the right part, at the right time, every time,” Darren Bradshaw, Senior Vice President and head of Mopar North America, said. “With the Metro Detroit Megahub, we’re building a faster, smarter and more reliable parts distribution network that puts their needs first. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability and operation excellence while also creating a modern, high-tech workplace for our employees.”
Stellantis recently sold parts distribution centers in Center Line, Marysville and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The facilities will continue to operate under a sale-leaseback agreement. until the Metro Detroit Megahub and Warren Sherwood e-coat upfitting facility are open.
Employees from the Center Line, Warren, Warren Sherwood and Milwaukee PDC locations will make up the workforce of the Metro Detroit Megahub, with a transition of approximately 488 UAW-represented employees expected.
Marysville employees will be moved to the Warren and Warren Sherwood PDC locations until the move to the Megahub and Warren Sherwood facilities are completed. Officials said these moves align with the company’s long-term plan of modernizing and centralizing its service parts distribution network, allowing for improved efficiency and sustainability.
“The investment in the Metro Detroit Megahub builds upon Stellantis’ 2023 UAW contract agreements, which have already seen nearly $120 million invested to strengthen parts and services operations, including a new facility in East Fishkill, New York, and enhancements to existing PDCs,” the announcement said. “This latest commitment further underscores Stellantis’ dedication to advancing its distribution network and supporting its U.S. workforce.
The Metro Detroit Megahub is expected to open in 2027.