Schooling can make, break deals on attracting new companies to town

BY SEAN F. DRISCOLL, Chronicle-Tribune 
sdriscol@marion.gannett.com

Two facilities, combined for 1.2 million square feet. An $800 million investment. Jobs for 530 people.

If those numbers sound good, send congratulations to Dundee, Mich.

By 2006, the tiny Michigan village was home to two Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plants, which are a collaborative effort between Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. The plants build four-cylinder engines that are used in cars from all three companies.

Once upon a time, around 2002, Marion was in the running for the project. In fact, it was one of a handful of finalists for the project, according to local economic development officials who were involved in negotiations.