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At a Glance

Address: 4000 St. Jean St., Detroit MI 48214
Operator: Stellantis N.V.
Facility Type: Automotive manufacturing and paint operations – Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango production
Key Permits: Title V Air Permit MI-ROP-A6236-2021; PTI 118-19 (new paint shop install 2019)
Violations (2014–2024): Multiple EGLE violations for odor and Rule 901 air emissions (2021–2024); one stipulated fine of $84,000 assessed in January 2024 (Michigan EGLE)
Jobs Reported: ≈ 2,100 new positions (Detroit Assembly Complex expansion figures, 2021)
Public Funding / Incentives: $160 million Michigan Strategic Fund package (2019) plus City of Detroit tax abatements and land transfer agreements
Sensitive Receptors (1 mile): ≈ 4,000 residents; 2 schools (Chandler Park Academy, Detroit Prep), parks and daycare centers within emission zone (EPA EJScreen)
Known Issues: Persistent paint odors and VOC emissions since 2021, community complaints, night-time truck traffic
Data Sources: EGLE MiEnviro, EPA ECHO, BridgeDetroit, Planet Detroit, Detroit BSEED
Last Updated: October 2025

Facility Overview

The Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Assembly Plant opened in 2021 after Stellantis redeveloped two former Mack Avenue engine plants into a modern vehicle assembly complex. The redevelopment was backed by a $160 million Michigan Strategic Fund incentive and a land transfer arranged with the City of Detroit. The facility produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer lines and employs about 2,100 workers.

Mack Assembly was promoted as the first new auto assembly plant built in Detroit in nearly 30 years. Its construction involved demolition of old industrial structures and installation of a new paint shop, assembly lines, and emission controls subject to EGLE Permits to Install and Title V coverage.

Environmental Record

Odor and air-quality issues surfaced soon after the plant began production in mid-2021. The EGLE Air Quality Division issued a series of Rule 901 odor violation notices (2021–2023) after nearby residents reported paint and solvent smells spreading eastward into neighborhoods. Investigations found improper capture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint booths and incomplete operation of thermal oxidizers.

In January 2024, Stellantis agreed to pay an $84,000 stipulated penalty and upgrade air-handling equipment. Additional compliance steps include improved stack testing and community odor monitoring via the Detroit Health Department. EPA ECHO lists the plant as a major source with ongoing inspection frequency since startup.

Community Impact

Residents around Beniteau and Lyons streets filed hundreds of complaints through the PEAS Hotline between 2021 and 2024 for chemical odors and eye and throat irritation. BridgeDetroit and Planet Detroit documented how the plant’s emissions disproportionately affect predominantly Black residential blocks east of the complex.

Community advocates have pressed for stronger fenceline monitoring, public reporting of stack tests, and better truck routing to reduce diesel exposure near schools. EGLE and Stellantis jointly launched a community advisory group in late 2024 to review data and mitigation steps.

Status & Sources

As of October 2025, the Mack Assembly Plant remains in operation under an EGLE consent order requiring continued odor monitoring, stack testing, and equipment upgrades through 2026. EPA Region 5 lists the facility as in active enforcement but returning to compliance.

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