An infusion of cash from China-based Zhejiang Wanfeng Technology Development Co. into a Warren automotive supplier is expected to help the company grow in Michigan with the addition of 150 jobs in Macomb County this year.
But in celebrating the sale Monday, Michigan lawmakers said they hope the new owners will have the same commitment to the community that the Paslin Co. has had since it was founded 79 years ago in Warren.
“This company has been an integral part of this community since 1937 and it was founded by a family that’s been very, very involved in the community,” said state Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren. “They donated a firetruck to Warren.”
U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, added: “Paslin has had an incredible relationship with our community. We’ve watched them through the hard times and the good times. They have a fantastic reputation as a charitable citizen.”
Tommy Wu, CEO of the Wanfeng Technology Group, said the sale, which was announced last month, will provide a brighter future for both companies and will provide increased trade opportunities for both Paslin and Wanfeng. The sale price was not disclosed.
“This is a happy marriage,” he said.
Gov. Rick Snyder, who has made five trade trips to China since taking office in 2011, said the talks with Wanfeng have been ongoing for a while and that the latest investment news strengthens Michigan’s global ties.
“This is a great success story for a Michigan company that has a wonderful history in our state,” he said. “They started out as a small stamping organization and now have 700 people working in Macomb County. Now we have a partnership with China. It’s a wonderful win for all of us.”
Kurt Goins, the CEO of Paslin, will stay on to lead the company that has four facilities in Macomb County.
“This is not about reducing our investment or workforce,” he said. “How many of our jobs are we going to lose? Not a damned one. We need 150 more people.”
Snyder said that while the political environment plays a role in trade, "long term, we need to build more global ties and relationships. In Michigan we’ve done very well in bringing investment here. They’re creating jobs for Michiganders."
Wanfeng is a Chinese robotics manufacturer serving the die cast automation market. Paslin specializes in the robotic automation of automotive welding assembly lines.
Detroit Free Press
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