Back in January, we shared the news that FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) had announced the next phase of its industrialization plan with a total $1 billion investment in its facilities in both Michigan and Ohio. Along with that, they also announced the addition of 2,000 new American jobs.

This week, FCA US LLC officially opened their brand new 500,000 sq ft. Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in the Detroit area of Romulus. This brand new facility is now home to more than 100 employees. Earlier this year, FCA US opened another new PDC as well in Winchester, Virginia. The addition of these two new facilities cost FCA US a total of $22.6 million dollars and allows FCA US to continue to strengthen their already rock solid parts distribution network that features 23 PDCs in North America.

The new Romulus PDC facility will mainly focus on the parts that comprise 80% of daily dealership orders such as general maintenance parts, commonly replaced parts and various parts involved with recalls and TSB’s. The state-of-the-art facility features innovative technology and processes to more efficiently deliver these high-volume products. With technology such as a quality assurance system featuring light guidance and vision technology, automated guided vehicles that function with laser navigation technology and an automated safety control system, the facility will be able to handle approximately 45 million parts annually and an estimated 35 inbound and 35 outbound trailers each day.

“The opening of our new Romulus PDC reinforces the Mopar brand’s commitment to providing dealers and customers with best-in-class service,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA. “As we close our 80th anniversary celebration, Mopar’s vision is stronger than ever: we are all in service of those who drive us. This state-of-the-art PDC ensures that we can deliver the right part at the right time and is further proof of our ongoing investment in enhancing operational excellence and customer satisfaction.”

“Today’s opening represents more than 100 jobs for the Michigan economy and makes the Mopar brand’s delivery of parts to dealers and consumers even more efficient. FCA continues to grow and invest in its operations, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our UAW members,” said Norwood Jewell, UAW Vice President and Director of the Chrysler Department.

In addition to their ever growing U.S. network, Mopar has also expanded its international parts distribution network with four new parts distribution centers being added over the past five years in Asia, Europe and South America. These facilities bring FCA up to over 50 PDCs worldwide! That’s a lot of parts!