Lear Corporation Opens Innovation Center In Downtown Detroit, Michigan

Posted on October 19, 2016

Lear Corporation, a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, opened a world-class Innovation Center at 119 State Street at historic Capitol Park in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

At this Center, Lear plans to develop new automotive products and technologies, incubate non-automotive business opportunities, collaborate with the College for Creative Studies on the next generation of automotive seating and vehicle interiors, as well as work with the Wayne State University School of Engineering to develop applications for connected cars and alternative energy vehicles.

“We are very excited to be opening a new Innovation and Design Center in downtown Detroit,” said Matt Simoncini, President/CEO of Lear Corporation. “We plan to leverage the rapidly developing infrastructure in the Central Business District as well as the concentration of arts, science, and technology assets in the Capitol Park area to fully participate in the transformation that is underway in the automotive business and to take our Company to the next level.”

Lear purchased the historic, vintage 1887, 6-story 119 State Street building located in the city’s resurging Capitol Park neighborhood last September. It has been restored close to its original Victorian Romanesque exterior design, while interior renovations exude an industrial, raw, authentic Detroit style and aesthetic.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said, “Lear’s investment in this new center is another example of how Detroit is building on its history of innovation in automotive design. Thanks to their partners at Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies, Lear will be able to provide young Detroiters with practical hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in this cutting-edge field.”