The move not only puts the supplier closer to its customer, but will add 200,000 sf to its manufacturing operation. Mackie, presently operating out of two Arlington plants, supplies General Motors with instrument panels, axles and radiator cores. The relocation, expected to be completed in mid-September, also is a recognized timesaver for Mackie, which ferries components 156 times a day to the GM assembly plant. The number of trips is predicted to jump to 368 when the new model starts rolling off the line.

Mackie, which has held the GM contract for the past three years, plans to add 125 jobs to meet GM's demands when production peaks in December.

The building, constructed by landowner ProLogis Trust, is the largest of the 16 Mackie plants operating in North America and Europe. The new facility was started in September and is located at the intersection of Avenue E and Great Southwest Parkway near an eight-lane interstate.