Lear opens Innovation Center in Capitol Park downtown Detroit
Supplier's Innovation Center a sparkling $10M projectBuy Photo Lear Corporation opens a new innovation and design center in downtown Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016.(Photo: Kimberly P. Mitchell Detroit Free Press)Buy PhotoDowntown Detroit has landed an established automotive supplier bringing highly skilled jobs that would otherwise go to the suburbs and providing paid internships to about 20 students from Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies.Southfield-based Lear Corp., a leading supplier of automotive seats and other interior components and technology, on Tuesday opened its Innovation Center at 119 State St. in the Capitol Park district of downtown, just west of the Westin Book Cadillac hotel.
Lear Corporation Opens New Innovation Center in Detroit
Lear's president and chief executive officer Matt Simoncini began the grand opening event by welcoming guests Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, WSU president Dr. M. Roy Wilson and CCS president Rick Rogers."We are very excited to be opening a new Innovation and Design Center in downtown Detroit," said Matt Simoncini, President and CEO of Lear Corporation."We plan to leverage the rapidly developing infrastructure in the Central Business District as well as the concentration of arts, science, and technology assets in the Capitol Park area to fully participate in the transformation that is underway in the automotive business and to take our Company to the next level."
Photos: A look at Lear's new Innovation Center in Detroit
Photos: A look at Lear's new Innovation Center in DetroitOn Tuesday, Southfield-based Lear Corp. officially opened its new Innovation Center in a 140-year-old former cigar factory building at 119 State St. in Detroit's Capitol Park.Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and the presidents of Wayne State University and College for Creative Studies were among those who attended the grand opening event.In an interview with Crain's, Lear CEO Matt Simoncini said the nearly $10 million investment represents a pivotal moment in Lear's trajectory.
Lear CEO sees new Detroit Innovation Center as turning point for company, city
Lear CEO sees new Detroit Innovation Center as turning point for company, city Simoncini: 'This city is on the cusp of changing the world'In a modest corner office on the fifth floor of a former cigar factory in Detroit's Capitol Park, Matt Simoncini hovers between his desk and the window.The windows are new, though in keeping with the historic styling of the 140-year old building.Simoncini, president and CEO of Southfield-based supplier Lear Corp., is new to the building as well.