LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE expands to North America: New location in Detroit as a significant investment for the future

As a specialist in body modules, LAEPPLE AUTOMOTIVE US, Inc. will revive the halls of the Mount Elliott Tool and Die Factory production facility, which have been vacant for several years, and initially focus on the production of spare parts – an area in which the company already has extensive experience.

The project involves investments in the mid double-digit million range. The plant in Detroit is currently being renovated and modernized; the first production facilities will be set up starting in October. Production is scheduled to begin in November. The company is developing its activities on an area of 270,000 ft² (=~25,000 m²).

“Detroit is the birthplace of the American automotive industry, and we are delighted to be opening a new chapter in our company's history here,” says Oliver Wackenhut, CEO of LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE. “With our expertise and passion for body shell construction, we will not only bring the plant to life, but also offer our customers new opportunities for their projects by expanding our international footprint.”

The company entered the American market last year in close cooperation with NRTC Automation to handle its first customer project. NRTC Automation will continue to support LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE as a partner in the future, working together to take the next strategic steps in the North American market.

The new location in Detroit will become the hub for LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE's production of spare parts for the North American market. Two major orders have already been received from an American vehicle manufacturer, for whom orders are currently also being produced at the German locations – proof of the great trust placed in the quality and expertise of LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE.

The company has a long tradition of expertise in spare parts manufacturing: spare parts for over 250 model series are produced at its German locations. As a full-range supplier of all types of spare parts, LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE can guarantee maximum performance with increasing spare parts diversity thanks to fast set-up concepts and optimal cycle times.

The development of the new location is being significantly supported by the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan. The region also offers great potential for qualified skilled workers thanks to its long automotive tradition, which further underscores the attractiveness of the location. LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE plans to create up to 200 new jobs at the location by 2029.

“On behalf of Team Michigan, we are thrilled that LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE has chosen ‘Make It in Michigan’ and is contributing to the state's dynamic automotive ecosystem by locating its new US headquarters in Detroit,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are honored to have received this foreign direct investment as we implement the ‘Make It In Michigan’ economic development strategy, which focuses on people, places, and projects. We look forward to the company's growth in Detroit as Michigan continues to lead the way in the evolving global automotive industry.”

The new location in Detroit is more than just an expansion – it is a decisive step in the dynamic growth strategy of LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE, which has continuously increased its sales over the past four years, most recently to around €450 million in 2023.

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