Farmington Hills Zoning Change Clears the Way for Mahle Expansion

The Farmington Hills research and development arm of a company based in Germany is set to undertake an $11 million expansion of its Haggerty Road facility.

Mahle Industries has acquired a neighboring property, the former , and plans to build a connection between the two structures, city planner Ed Gardiner said Monday. members approved on first reading the company's request for a change that would make zoning uniform across the two sites. 

"It fits the proposed use, it fits the current Mahle site, it fits their plans and it fits with the current master plan," city planning consultant Rod Arroyo said. 

Company spokesperson Hal Johnson said Mahle has been "very happy in Farmington Hills, and we're happy to expand and grow here." 

"We knew you were going to expand when you moved in several years ago, and we're happy you're going to stay," mayor Barry Brickner said. 

Crain's Detroit reported earlier this week that the company plans to have 350 employees at the facility by 2013. The report indicated the move adds 50,000 square feet, including warehouse space. 

In related action taken Monday, city officials approved the introduction of a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow the Planning Commission to approve warehouse uses when they are tied to a building's principal use.