DTNA plans Redford manufacturing and research expansion

Planned investment in the Detroit Manufacturing Campus

Daimler Truck North America plans to invest up to $285 million in its Detroit Manufacturing Campus in Redford Township, Wayne County, Michigan. The Detroit Diesel Corporation project is expected to create up to 436 jobs and retain 2,000 existing positions.

The programme includes reinvestment in internal-combustion-engine production and improvements to research and development facilities. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, subject to completion of planning and approvals. State support comprises:

• A $27.7 million performance-based Critical Industry Program grant.
• A State Essential Services Assessment abatement valued at up to $3.29 million.

Powertrain production and battery research

The Redford plant opened in 1938 and spans over 3 million square feet. Its engines, transmissions and axles serve Freightliner, Western Star and Thomas Built Buses vehicles. The expansion is intended to maintain production capacity while adding electric-powertrain manufacturing capabilities.

Matthew Pfaffenbach, vice president of powertrain operations, said the company plans to add approximately 110,000 square feet. The project also includes a research and development facility for battery prototyping and testing. Electric components are intended for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Commercial electric-vehicle capabilities

Daimler introduced its battery-electric product line in 2021, including the Detroit ePowertrain for the Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2. The company has continued investing in batteries and components for electric commercial vehicles.

The Redford plans also align with DTNA’s joint project with DTE Energy, the Truck Stop of the Future. The companies’ initiative is intended to help commercial operators transition fleets to electric vehicles.

Charging development at the Redford site

DTNA and DTE Energy are initial partners in Michigan’s Mobility Charging Hub programme, announced on 29 June 2023. The proposed hub is located at DTNA’s Redford facility near Interstate 96. Its first phase establishes infrastructure for electric-vehicle charging. DTE is expected to operate the core infrastructure, including charging equipment, solar canopies and battery energy storage.

After demonstrated usage and commercial viability in the first phase, the partners plan to use the hub to test technologies, digital services and business models for commercial electric vehicles. The programme also includes passenger-vehicle charging. DTNA’s existing electric-vehicle workforce training could be expanded to cover charging infrastructure as the hub is established.