Lear to Open Plant in Detroit, Donates $5 Million

American supplier Lear, who emerged from bankruptcy in November last year, announced today it will open a new manufacturing plant in the Detroit area and will be hiring at least 200 people in 2011. But that's the lesser news of the day, as Lear also announced it will donate $5 million over the next 10 years to the city of Detroit, to help its neighborhoods be brought back to life.

The first order of business will be the renovation of the James T. Hope Playfield. Lear will help the city buy equipment, a picnic shelter, a walking path, horseshoe courts and a disc golf playing area. The playfield will also see its parking lots repaved and fences repaired.

“We want to do this in a coordinated way with the mayor, who has a plan for the city long term,” Bob Rossiter, Lear CEO, was quoted as saying by Freep, during a press conference. “I’m proud of everything the mayor is trying to do.”

"I know that Lear isn't looking for accolades, but they deserve more than a pat on the back,” Detroit mayor Dave Bing added. “We want to use this as an example for other business leaders. Detroit is a city worth saving and a city worth investing in."

In March 2010, Lear announced it plans to hire 285 people and invest more than $2.2 million to upgrade its Hammond, Indiana plant, where seats for the new Ford Explorer will be manufactured.

Last year, Lear was the biggest automotive supplier to file for bankruptcy. Following the reorganization, Lear managed to reduce its debt obligations by some $2.8 billion.