Auto supplier Alcan expanding Novi factory

Just three years after moving into its 52,000-square-foot facility in Novi, Alcan Inc. plans to expand its Alcan Automotive Structures site in Novi. Amson Dembs Development Inc., which developed and owns the property at the end of Magellan Drive, off West Park, is planning a 47,000-square-foot expansion on 5.18 acres. Alcan Automotive moved in 2004 to its current location from its former site in Farmington Hills. "They're in need of new space," said Ryan Dembs, president of Amson Dembs. "Obviously when you have an expansion of this size, it's because there is additional business, and additional hiring." Amson Dembs is working through the site plan approval process, and was granted preliminary site plan approval at a July 25 Novi Planning Commission meeting. Dembs said he hopes to break ground within 60 days. The new building will be a high-tech manufacturing facility. Alcan [NYSE:AL] would not comment on the expansion. However, the aluminum company plans to announce during the next few weeks the source of its new business, once formal contracts are signed with its customer, a spokesman said. Alcan Automotive manufactures non-motorized, lightweight aluminum parts, such as bumper systems. Alcan customers include Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, PSA Citroen, SEAT, Skoda, Smart and Volkswagen. The plans for the new building specified usage at 5 percent office use, 28 percent warehouse and 66 percent manufacturing use. It will be directly west of its current building.