The Shyft Group plans to invest in and expand the company’s facilities in Charlotte, Michigan. This will enable production of commercial electric vehicles for its Blue Arc™ EV Solutions brand, launched last year. Shyft will invest approximately $16 million for expansion and improvements in facilities and equipment related to the production of EVs.
Daryl Adams, Shyft president and CEO, says the company is proud to invest in EV production in its home state. He says Shyft looks forward to bringing the future of fleets to its operations in Charlotte.
The Charlotte campus, with seven facilities, is currently home to multiple Shyft product lines. These include walk-in delivery vans, motorhome chassis, as well as work truck chassis. The addition of Blue Arc EV production will help support the company’s commitment toward employment levels on the Charlotte campus. This is because Blue Arc will bring a wide range of engineering, manufacturing, and technical jobs to Charlotte.
With the expansion, upgrades to facilities, and installation of new equipment, Shyft will have the capacity to produce up to 3,000 EVs per year in Charlotte. The company previously announced an initial customer pre-order for 2,000 Class 3, 4 and 5 all-electric delivery vehicles.
Further, the Shyft Group’s expansion is supported by co-investment and business incentives from the city of Charlotte, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
WHAT LEADERS ARE SAYING
Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and president and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, congratulates the Shyft team. He says the investment underscores Shyft’s strength as well as the state’s workforce, leadership in mobility, and manufacturing. Messer expresses his gratitude to the state’s leadership and officials for continuing their support of the Jobs Ready Michigan Program. The program supports upskilling and training for individuals across the state. “We’re grateful to Shyft for this vote of confidence in Michigan and look forward to working together to grow, add jobs, and provide greater opportunity in Mid-Michigan,” Messer says.
Bob Trezise, LEAP president and CEO, says this is a critical addition to the “EV Capital of America” (Lansing, Michigan). He says the Shyft Group has blossomed under CEO Daryl Adam’s leadership and team. “Shyft’s continued commitment to invest locally has been clear, and our region is better off because of it,” Trezise says.
Mayor Michael Armitage says it’s fantastic news that Charlotte will be home to a commercial segment of the EV market. He says the Shyft Group has been part of Charlotte’s business community for years, and the city is proud to continue the partnership.
Blue Arc EV Solutions selected automotive suppliers for vehicle systems and subsystems in the EV chassis as well as the fully reimagined all-electric delivery walk-in van.
Find out more, visit www.theshyftgroup.com.
