Meridian Automotive Systems Inc. is investing more than $5 million to update its production of sheet molding compound in Grabill, Ind.
The Dearborn auto supplier already makes SMC in Grabill for its molding operations. The new plant, set to open by February adjacent to the existing facility, will include all new process controls, mixing equipment, and materials-handling and resin-metering systems, Steve McKenzie, president of Meridian's Exterior Composites Group, said Sept. 19.
The operation will have annual capacity of 100 million pounds of SMC and employ about 40. The firm will relocate some existing equipment to the new site and upgrade other components.
Meridian is a supplier for a variety of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Avalanche truck and Dodge Viper.