American Axle – $133 million upgrade in TR

St. Joseph County’s largest employer has received incentives from the state to upgrade its Three Rivers facility.

American Axle & Manufacturing is working on a $133 million upgrade project at its facility in Three Rivers, according to Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The project includes new machinery, upgrading its roof and HVAC system, and wastewater treatment system.

Also, impending work includes interior and exterior renovations, company officials said.

Michigan Strategic Fund this week approved a 5-year, 100 percent state-essential services assessment exemption, estimated to be worth about $1 million.

American Axle Director of Government Affairs John Matton said the investments are necessary to ensure the advanced manufacturing processes meet requirements of the company’s original equipment manufacturer customers.

American Axle is the county’s largest employer of union work, with 1,100 workers at the Three Rivers facility.