Hutchinson to build new North American HQ

Auburn Hills, Michigan - A new $8 million North American headquarters building for Hutchinson North America is planned for the Oakland Technology Park in Auburn Hills.

Planning commissioners are expected to consider granting conditional approval of a site plan for the 60,500-square-foot project on about 5.5 acres Wednesday night.

The company, a subsidiary of France-based energy giant Total SA, is expected to house about 225 employees in the new building, according to the city.

A post on the city's website says Hutchinson has five divisions in North America, with four focusing on the automotive industry and another on the defence and aerospace industries. The company produces anti-vibration, belt drive, fluid management and precision sealing systems, as well as body sealing.

Messages left with Hutchinson were not returned.

Construction would begin next month and be complete in June 2018, said a planning commission document. The project is planned for Cross Creek Parkway, between University Drive and High Meadow Circle.

The developer is Southfield-based General Development Co. LLC, which jointly owns Oakland Technology Park with Farmington Hills-based Friedman Integrated Real Estate Solutions LLC.

"We are happy an Auburn Hills company of this stature has chosen to stay in Auburn Hills," said Ethan Weisman, business development manager for General Development.

Oakland Technology Park has attracted companies including Faurecia North America Inc., Atlas Copco North America Inc. and Hirotec America Inc. for new buildings.

The joint venture between General Development and Friedman has more than 200 acres, while another portion has about 800 acres owned by FCA US LLC, Johnson Controls Inc. and Delphi Automotive plc.

Hutchinson has space at 1060 Centre Rd. It has had a presence in the city since 2000.

Farmington Hills-based GAV & Associates Inc. is the project architect.