Abandoned automaker plants finding second lives

Almost half of the former automaker sites closed since 1979 have transitioned to new, productive uses according to a study from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR; Ann Arbor, MI). CAR's research on transitioning former automotive manufacturing sites to new purposes, includes a catalogue of the status of all closed facilities since 1979, and lessons learned from seven case study visits.

CAR found that 60% (267) of the 447 automaker manufacturing plants that have been in operation as of 1979 have closed; and of those that were shuttered, 48% (128) have been at least partially repurposed or are in the process of transitioning to a new purpose.

Closed automotive facilities were found in 28 states, and 65% were concentrated in the Midwest states of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The case studies were selected to reflect the population of closed facilities and included the communities of: Baltimore, MD; Batavia, OH; Coopersville, MI; Doraville, GA; Kenosha, WI; Sleepy Hollow, NY; and South Gate, CA.

CAR found that repurposing rates were lower in counties with high unemployment, declining population, and a high concentration of closed auto facilities, and recommends public policy initiatives be targeted toward these areas. CAR's research was completed with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, and is the first comprehensive catalogue of closed automaker manufacturing facilities across the country.

"While each community with a closed automotive facility faces unique challenges, this report helps shine a light on how community engagement, a focus on flexibility, and the involvement of the private sector, non-profit groups, and all levels of government can help them recover," said Jay Williams, Director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.