Dakkota Integrated Systems to Close Two Michigan Plants

The supplier will shut down manufacturing facilities in Detroit and Watertown Township in upcoming phases.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Auto Parts

Wide view of a weathered industrial brick and steel manufacturing building under a heavy, overcast Michigan sky.
Dakkota Integrated Systems will close its Detroit and Watertown Township plants by 2027, resulting in the loss of nearly 500 jobs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust the long-term stability of manufacturing jobs in your community?

Dakkota Integrated Systems plans to close its Detroit manufacturing plant and a Watertown Township facility by early 2027. These closures involve the loss of nearly 500 total positions across the two Michigan locations.

Why it matters

The Detroit plant closure follows the loss of key Stellantis contracts, while the Watertown Township facility is ceasing operations during a retooling phase at a nearby General Motors plant.

The Detroit plant closure will cut 397 jobs, while the Watertown Township facility closure affects 67 employees. Dakkota Integrated Systems currently operates 14 locations across the United States and Canada.

The players

Dakkota Integrated Systems

This company is a major automotive supplier that operates 14 manufacturing and assembly locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Stellantis

This multinational automotive manufacturing corporation oversees various brands, including Jeep and Dodge.

General Motors

This major automotive manufacturer is currently overseeing retooling efforts at its Lansing Grand River Assembly plant.

The details

The Detroit plant closure will occur in two phases, starting with the first production line on Dec. 31, 2026, and the second on March 31, 2027. The Detroit facility specifically manufactured instrument panels for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

Timeline

  1. Sept. 9, 2026: Dakkota filed a WARN notice for the Watertown Township plant.

  2. Oct. 19, 2026: Dakkota filed a WARN notice for the Detroit plant.

  3. Dec. 31, 2026: The Watertown Township facility and the first Detroit production line will close.

  4. March 31, 2027: The second Detroit production line will close.

Roadmap

These plant closures reflect the ongoing consolidation and contractual realignments occurring within the automotive supply chain. Automakers are increasingly shifting production strategies to accommodate new vehicle platforms and electric vehicle manufacturing requirements.

The closure of these facilities primarily impacts the local workforce through the phased elimination of nearly 500 manufacturing roles. Suppliers and logistics companies connected to the Detroit and Watertown Township plants may also experience a reduction in local commercial activity.

The takeaway

These closures illustrate the volatility of the automotive supply chain as manufacturers pivot their production needs. Employees affected by these shutdowns are typically provided with information regarding transition services through state labor departments.

Further reading

For broader trends in the industry, visit the Auto Parts section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by PlasticsToday.

Live Poll

Do you trust the long-term stability of manufacturing jobs in your community?