Auto Logistics Group Opens Detroit Headquarters

Global Automotive Alliance LLC (GAA), a holding company for five warehousing and logistics companies, has opened a headquarters in Detroit.

The 75,000-sq-ft facility, which previously was a FedEx distribution center, marks the first time that all GAA businesses will be managed out of a single location. GAA bought the building, which has offices, a warehouse and small business incubator, in 2013 for an undisclosed price. About 20 people will be employed at the facility.

Formed in 1999 by McDonald’s franchise owner William Pickard, GAA is described as one of the largest African American-owned businesses, with 1,600 global employees, including 225 in Michigan. Its five member companies—Grupo Antolin Primera, ARD Logistics, Key Logistics Solutions, Global SQ and VITEC— provide contract logistics, parts sequencing, procurement, warehousing, freight forwarding and contract assembly services at 24 sites worldwide. Through partnerships, GAA claims to have access to 1,000 terminals, warehouse facilities and branch offices in more than 80 countries.

In 2015, Detroit awarded VITEC a $12 million vehicle parts inventory management contract, which is said to be one of the largest awarded to a minority firm by the city. In addition to automotive, GAA is targeting aerospace, consumer retail and government contracts.