Plans are underway to establish what is projected to be the country’s largest hydrogen storage manufacturing plant in Grand Blanc Township. Here’s what you need to know about the Plastic Omnium New Energies’ project, which was recently awarded a $5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

1. The automotive supplier will build storage tanks at its new location.As news around the investment has spread, so has some confusion regarding the scope of the project. The Grand Blanc Township facility will not store hydrogen. Rather, it will manufacture storage tanks for an unnamed automaker interested in medium- and heavy-duty zero emissions mobility.

   “Similar to a supplier that manufactures gas tanks for internal combustion engine vehicles, Plastic Omnium will be building storage tanks for fuel cell vehicles,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, which provided support for the project. “This is a great way to involve our region in the production of hydrogen-powered vehicles and the future of the automotive industry.”

   In total, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $171.2 million and create 175 jobs.

2. Grand Blanc Township was chosen over competing sites in Indiana, Ohio, and Canada.“This investment … is a testament to the strong relationship we have had over the years with Michigan,” said Plastic Omnium New Energies USA Managing Director Alexandra Charnelet. “We are excited to make Plastic Omnium and the state of Michigan the cornerstone of zero carbon commercial mobility.”

   Ultimately, the decision came down to relationships with existing Tier 1 suppliers, proximity to its other Michigan operations, and strong community support during the site selection process.

   “We have challenged ourselves to create a development-ready process that makes it easy to do business here,” said Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Scott Bennett. “And, combined with state and local incentives and a talented employee pool, it is easy to see why we attract state-of-the-art manufacturers like Plastic Omnium.”

3. Plastic Omnium is considered a leader in hydrogen technology and sustainable mobility.The company is considered a worldwide leader in fuel systems bumpers, fascias, and integrated front-end modules. It currently employs approximately 1,000 Michigan residents at its facilities in Adrian, Huron, and metro Detroit, and plans to generate more than $3 billion in revenue by 2030.

To learn more about the advantages of basing or growing your business in Flint and Genesee, visit DevelopFlintandGenesee.org.