Duggan, Snyder Announce Repurposing of Southwestern High School

Southwestern High School will be redeveloped into a training and manufacturing center.

Bre’Anna Tinsley/ WDET

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Governor Rick Snyder say an automotive manufacturer is bringing 650 jobs to the city.  

Southwestern High School will be re-purposed into a manufacturing and training center for the company Sakthi Automotive.

The company will also offer training and jobs to ex-convicts, and Duggan says it’s a great opportunity for those who have been released from jail, but are having a hard time finding work.

“There is no trouble with them showing for work on time doing a good job because they feel like their options are so limited,” Duggan says. “You see a lot of people coming out of prisons who are looking to prove themselves and if we don’t give them opportunities we aren’t going to leave them any choices.”

Duggan says he hopes more companies will offer jobs to those who have paid their debts to society. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.