Seating is something that most people never think about when they get behind the wheel. But, it plays an important role in overall customer satisfaction.

NOVI, MI—Magna International Inc. plans to spend $48 million on a new headquarters facility here for its seating division. The project is expected to add 164 jobs.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI—Fisher Dynamics, a manufacturer of automotive seating systems and mechanisms, has turned to Google Glass to run parts of its floor more efficiently.

EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation has received a contract to supply two turnkey assembly and test systems for a Tier 1 automotive supplier. The semiautomatic lines will improve throughput of automobile seat assemblies and capture critical traceability data.

MILWAUKEE—Automotive supplier Johnson Controls Inc. and apparel maker Adidas have launched a research project to study the viability of using robots to sew shoes, athletic wear, and the upholstery for vehicle seats.

PLYMOUTH, MI—Johnson Controls has opened a new state-of-the-art crash test facility at its automotive seating headquarters here.