Nissan Technical Center North America Inc. will expand its automotive manufacturing operations in Farmington Hills with $34 million in site improvements, new buildings and equipment.

The new facility will focus on research, engineering, design services and enhanced computer simulation capabilities, Nissan officials say. The company will receive a $15.7 million Single Business Tax credit for 17 years.

"Our technical center is focused on developing vehicles for the North American market--the biggest in the world--and we're happy that this expansion was made possible," says Mitsuhiko Yamashita, the company president.

Farmington Hills city manager Steve Brock says Nissan had considered moving the expansion to its headquarters in Atsugi, Japan. "The facility will be a great enhancement to the mix of economic development in our community, and it is to our benefit to be located here rather than in Japan," Brock says.

Another tax credit of more than $2.2 million for 12 years persuaded Collins and Aikman Corp. to expand in Port Huron rather than Ontario, says company chairman and chief executive officer Thomas E. Evans. The automotive and aeronautic supply firm says it will add 187 jobs with the proposed facility expansion.

Creative Solutions of Dexter, MI says it chose to stay in the area and complete a $12-million expansion in the community, while also building a new facility in nearby Scio Township.

The company had been considering a move to Carrolton, Texas, before Michigan provided a $3.9-million tax credit that will be spread over 12 years. The company is a division of the Thomson Corp., an e-information and solutions company.