The industrial development district will encompass Metaldyne's 300,000-sf plant at 2727 W. 14 Mile Rd., where $15 million of new equipment will be installed if the city takes the next step and approves a tax abatement on the personal property investment. "In the last three to four years, we've been under significant competitive pressure and we're very anxious to turn that trend around," Steve Dickerson, Metaldyne's vice president and general manager of torque transfer products, told the Royal Oak citycommission. Metaldyne has been considering upgrading another one of its plants in more business-friendly city or state.

Royal Oak dissolved industrial development districts in 1997, when they were seen as a form of corporate welfare. Now, most city commissioners agree Michigan's lagging economy needs help and Metaldyne is a worthyrecipient. The company is Royal Oak's largest taxpayer and among its larger employers.