Business Briefs: Chinese Automaker Celebrates Opening of Birmingham Offices

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in the Birmingham business community this week:

Shanghai Motors opens North American operations center on North Old Woodward

Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC) recently opened its new North American Operations Center in downtown Birmingham.

Senior executives from SAIC, General Motors (GM) and other major automotive suppliers attended the grand opening ceremony held June 12 at the firm's offices at 322 N. Old Woodward, across the street from . Gov. Rick Snyder and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson also attended.

SAIC Motor is the largest automotive manufacturer in China. Major vehicle companies under SAIC include Shanghai GM, Shanghai VW, SAIC Motor Commercial Vehicle Company and SAIC-GM Wuling Automobile Co.

The 30,000 square feet, three-story office space will eventually house 100 employees and focus on purchasing, logistics and technology and engineering for the firm's US operations.

Accorinding to a press release, SAIC USA's decision to expand to Michigan was based on the area's trained workforce, proximity to global automotive partners (particularly GM) and proximity to automotive parts suppliers.

"It is clear to see SAIC's determination to deeply cooperate with US businesses and SAIC will continue to promote the development of exchanges with partners in the US," said SAIC Motor Chairman Maoyuan Hu at the opening ceremony.

"I believe SAIC USA will continue to work as a bridge and link between SAIC Motor and the US auto industry," he added. "Further, we expect SAIC USA will continue healthy growth in this market and this will be a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation for China and the US, with the support of both countries."

"Michigan is proud to be home to SAIC USA, the North American operations of SAIC Motor, and we are thrilled that the company is expanding its global presence here," Snyder said at the June 12 ceremony.

City Commissioner named to advisory board for pancreatic cancer non-profit

Birmingham City Commissioner Scott Moore has been named to the advisory board for Sky Foundation, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for the early detection of pancreative cancer.

Moore was diagnosed with cancer six years ago and has since been given a clean bill of health. The Sky Foundation will host its fourth annual fundraiser during National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month on Nov. 4 at the .

Disposal Specialties partners to reduce construction waste

The Birmingham-based Disposal Specialties, LLC will be partnering with Green Energy Renewable Solutions, Inc. to help recycle thousands of tons of construction and demolition waste.

The two companies recently signed a long term contract guaranteeing up to 1,000 tons per day of construction and demolition waste for recycling at Green Energy's Highland Park-based recycling facility.

Green Energy will process the incoming waste to recover and process valuable materials for re-introduction to the manufacturing market. The company is looking to recover and reuse approximately 85 percent of incoming waste.

"The Detroit Metro market is producing an average of over 10,000 tons of construction and demolition material daily," said Joe DuRant, CEO of Green Energy, in a recent press release. "Disposal Specialties, LLC has over 40 years experience in the (construction and demolition) disposal business and we are confident they will make a great partner."

UBS to offer free webinars for General Motors, Ford retirees

The Schindler Group at UBS Financial Services in downtown Birmingham will be hosting free webinars to help General Motors and Ford retirees explore their options regarding pensions or lump sum offers.

Webinars will be offered at 1 p.m. July 10 and 1 p.m. July 16. To sign up, visit www.theschindlergroup.squarespace.com.

Upcoming Events:

• Ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. July 11, Touch of India (297 E. Maple Rd.)
• Member Golf Outing: July 16, Plum Hollow Country Club
• Member Coffee: 8-9 a.m. July 26,
• Community Shred Day: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31, South Adams Square parking lot
• Ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. Aug. 9,