Lear opens new Edison facility; officials tout safety, efficiency and local jobs

Lear opened a new facility at 1000 New Durham Road in Edison Township at a ribbon-cutting ceremony where company leaders and local officials highlighted the plant’s role in servicing emergency vehicles and boosting local economic activity.

Paul, a Lear representative who identified himself as a retired officer of the West Caldwell Police Department, welcomed attendees and framed the opening as “a very special occasion” for Lear and the emergency vehicle industry, saying the company is committed to “providing you with quality products” and supporting public‑safety customers.

Daniel Ham, president and CEO of Lear, said the company considered roughly 25 buildings before selecting the Edison site and credited local support for the move. “This feels like it was a pipe dream a year ago,” Ham said, and added that Lear “hired engineers to help us lay out this facility in a way that is most efficient for our technicians,” a change the company said will reduce time lost when technicians search for tools and speed vehicle turnaround.

Ryan, a member of the Lear team, thanked customers who remained with the company during the transition: “I just want to say thank you to, uh, most importantly our customers who, uh, stuck with us.”

Sam, the mayor of Edison Township, welcomed the company to the town and praised the facility’s public‑safety focus and the economic benefits he expects. The mayor noted the site address and said the facility will service public‑safety vehicles “from coast to coast,” and added, “I’m very excited to cut this ribbon. I’m very excited to bring in more taxes.” He also acknowledged Council President Joe Coyle, Council Member Bureau Patel and Police Chief Tom Bryant as among those attending.

After the remarks, officials counted down and cut the ribbon; attendees then toured the garage and production areas.

The company characterized the building as its largest facility in the region and emphasized operational efficiencies and a commitment to support law enforcement, EMS and fire agencies. The claim that it is the largest such facility was made by company and municipal speakers at the event and was not independently verified in the transcript.