Stellantis will invest nearly $400 million in a high-tech Michigan megahub, a move the White House credits to Trump-era trade policy that’s revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.
At a Glance
- Stellantis is building a $388 million Mopar parts megahub in Wayne County, Michigan
- The 2-million-square-foot facility will support 488 union-represented jobs
- It will use advanced automation including AutoStore robotics systems
- The White House cited Trump’s tariffs as a factor behind the investment
- UAW supports Trump’s 25% auto tariff, calling it vital to job retention
A Manufacturing Milestone with Political Undercurrents
In a rare bipartisan nod to Donald Trump’s trade strategy, the Biden White House recently credited the so-called “Trump Effect” for a major industrial investment by Stellantis. The global automaker announced a $388 million outlay to build a massive Mopar parts distribution center in Metro Detroit. Set to open in 2027, the facility will span 2 million square feet and become a cornerstone in the company’s U.S. logistics network.
Designed to increase efficiency and reduce delivery times, the facility will rely heavily on robotics. Stellantis plans to integrate an automated AutoStore system, using bins and robotic retrieval systems to streamline operations. The project is expected to create nearly 500 union-backed jobs, and according to Stellantis’s Darren Bradshaw, will offer a “faster, smarter and more reliable” infrastructure for distributing parts nationwide.
Watch a report: Trump’s Tariffs Fuel Stellantis Expansion.
Tariff Policy Gets Rare Validation
The investment coincides with Trump’s reimplementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts. Though such tariffs are often criticized for raising consumer costs, the UAW has endorsed the policy, arguing it preserves American jobs and manufacturing capacity. “Auto companies that have enjoyed years of record profits should absorb the cost,” a UAW spokesperson said, urging federal action to prevent those costs from falling on consumers.
The Biden White House, typically reluctant to highlight Trump-era policy success, had publicly acknowledged the role that protectionist trade measures have played in attracting the Stellantis investment. The move represents a shift in tone amid increasing concern over foreign supply chain dependence.
Automation Meets American Labor
While critics of tariff policy warn of inflationary side effects, the Stellantis announcement points to a more nuanced economic outcome. By investing in advanced robotics and local infrastructure, Stellantis is demonstrating how automation can be balanced with job creation, especially when paired with supportive trade policy and labor agreements.
The company said the megahub “reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” while building a modern, tech-driven workplace for employees. Whether this signals a broader return to domestic auto investment remains to be seen—but for now, it’s a clear win for U.S. labor and Trump’s economic legacy.
