Delphi considers relocating center

CHAMPION — Delphi Packard Electric is considering relocating its Champion Technical Center because of an expiring lease.

The lease expires Dec. 31, and the landlord has erected a sign that advertises for a new tenant. The center is on Research Parkway near Kent State University’s Trumbull campus.

Lori Costantino, a Packard spokeswoman, said negotiating a new lease or moving the facility are options.

Packard’s North River Road complex in Warren is largely vacant now after the company moved much of its manufacturing operations outside of the area.

Costantino, however, wouldn’t speculate on a new location for the technical center, if it is moved, but said that Packard intends to keep engineering and technical workers in this area.

She added, however, that Packard is realigning its operations as its parent company, Delphi Corp., prepares to emerge from bankruptcy court protection.

More may be known in a few weeks, she said.

The center conducts advanced engineering as well as product and process development. It is Packard’s primary location in North America for product testing.

Packard primarily produces wiring harnesses and related equipment for vehicles.