Daimler Truck North America announces investment to upgrade an ICE plant in Detroit

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) announced its intent to make significant investments in its Detroit Manufacturing Plant located in Redford Township, near Detroit. The company’s plans include a reinvestment in the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) platform and an enhancement of Research and Development (R&D) facilities.

This strategic investment aims to modernize and enhance the existing plant to maintain its current production capacity and innovation of ICE components, which remain crucial for many commercial trucking applications, and supports the growing demand for cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines and components, fostering an environment for expanded research and development in the commercial trucking sector.

Daimler Truck North America anticipates a capital investment of up to $285 million for the project, which will be located on the Detroit Manufacturing Campus in Redford Township, Wayne County. In addition to the over 2,000 existing jobs at the facility, more than 400 new jobs are expected to be created at the site, strengthening its role and workforce in Michigan’s automotive future.

Matt Pfaffenbach, vice president of powertrain operations, said: “Our Detroit Manufacturing Plant, with its legacy of over 85 years in Michigan, stands as a testament to innovation and progress. This transformative project will propel us into a new era of manufacturing excellence while strengthening our role in the industry and bringing significant growth to the community we call home.”  

Since 1938, the Detroit Manufacturing Plant has been a cornerstone of DTNA’s operations, being a vast powerhouse that produces engines, transmissions and axles for the Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses vehicle platforms. This project further solidifies DTNA’s role as a responsible corporate citizen deeply embedded in its community.