NOVI, Mich. – The Shyft Group, a leading provider of specialized vehicle solutions, has announced plans to expand its facilities in Charlotte, Michigan, to support the production of commercial electric vehicles (EVs) for its Blue Arc EV Solutions brand. The company will invest approximately $16 million to upgrade its facilities, add new equipment and increase production capacity.
The Charlotte campus is home to multiple Shyft product lines, including delivery vans, motorhome chassis and work truck chassis. The expansion of the Blue Arc EV production line will help to support the company’s previous commitment to employment levels on the campus and bring engineering, manufacturing and technical jobs to Charlotte. With the upgrades and new equipment, Shyft will have the capacity to produce up to 3,000 EVs per year in the city.
The Shyft Group’s expansion has received co-investment and business incentives from the city of Charlotte, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The CEO of the MEDC, Quentin Messer Jr., commented on the investment, saying, “This investment underscores the strength of your business powered by our state’s talented workforce and leadership in mobility and advanced manufacturing.”
Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP, said, “This is another critical addition to the growing EV Capital of America here in Lansing Michigan region… Shyft’s continued commitment to invest locally has been clear and our region is better off because of it.” Mayor Michael Armitage added, “The Shyft Group has been a vital part of the city’s business community for many, many years and we are proud to continue partnering with their growing company.”
As a leading provider of integrated chassis and specialty bodies for Class 3-5 vehicles, Blue Arc EV Solutions has partnered with leading automotive suppliers for its all-electric delivery walk-in van and EV chassis systems and subsystems. With its commitment to expand its facilities and increase production, the Shyft Group is poised to lead the way in commercial EV production.
