Jeep's In-House Customization Facility Opening Soon
Jeep made the announcement that they plan to develop their own aftermarket customization shop in Toledo.
Jeeps are made to be modified
As we all know, Jeeps are some of the most commonly modified vehicles on the road, and have been for decades. We love the capable platform of Wrangler and now the Gladiator. But we also love to put our own touches on them and make them even more offroad capable. Or at least make them look more rugged.
Make it your own
Whether it's larger tires, additional LED lighting, custom fenders, reinforced suspension, or interior mods, it's almost like Jeeps are dying to be customized. That, in turn, creates a ton of aftermarket opportunities. And now, the manufacturer has finally realized that they can take a share of that aftermarket for themselves, by starting their own customization facility.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep's new in-house custom shop right here in our forum.
Jeep wants in on the action
Jeep recently announced their plans to create their own aftermarket customization brand. But they won't be building an entire new plant from the ground up. The announcement reveals that the company has purchased two properties for a grand total of $1 near their Toledo plant in Ohio. One of the facilities was a vinyl manufacturer, and the other was an ambulance service provider.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep's new in-house custom shop right here in our forum.
Building a new facility
The two companies closed up shop in 2009 and 2013 respectively, causing hundreds of jobs being lost. FCA will be building their 250,000-sq ft facility at these properties. Not much more has been announced as of yet in regards to what products will be made there. But the operation is predicted to create around 300 new jobs.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep's new in-house custom shop right here in our forum.
Free land
The city of Toledo wanted to create an incentive for FCA to keep the Jeep manufacturing operations local. That's why they spent nearly $3.7 million buying and cleaning up the properties, only to sell them to the manufacturer for a dollar. The city government does still retain the right to buy the properties back for $1 if Jeep doesn't develop them.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep's new in-house custom shop right here in our forum.
Stay tuned!
We'll have to wait and see how this story continues to develop, but we're excited to learn more. It's likely a safe assumption that the bulk of production will be focused on the Wrangler and Gladiator models, which are also built-in Toledo. Not to mention the fact that other Jeep models aren't as popular in the aftermarket.
>>Join the conversation about Jeep's new in-house custom shop right here in our forum.
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