The Piston Group Selects KC

Detroit-based automotive supplier choose KC for first expansion out of Michigan

Aug. 16, 2007 – LIBERTY, Mo. – Detroit-based, Piston Automotive Group will expand into the KC region.

Piston’s decision will create more than 50 manufacturing jobs for the area.  The company will lease a 75,000-square-foot building that will house the assembly and distribution operations.

Former Detroit Piston basketball star Vinnie Johnson, better known as “The Microwave” (hence the project name “Microwave”) started the company in 1996. The company manufactures and assembles parts for tier 1 automakers including General Motors and Ford.

The Piston Group is familiar with the Kansas City area. Its president and CEO, Steve Hayworth, received his bachelor of science degree from UMKC. 

KCADC Partners

1. KC SmartPort
2. Missouri Department of Economic Development
3. Liberty’s Partnership for Community Growth and Development
4. Clay County Economic Development Council
5. CB Richard Ellis
6. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker
7. Aquila