For real-time news on business, politics and economic development in the South, go to www.RandleReport.com. For all economic development projects announced in the South, go to www.SB-D.com.
South dominates Forbes’ best cities for jobs ranking
Forbes came out with its best cities for jobs ranking in the spring quarter and Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 1. Following DFW was Austin, Nashville, Charlotte, Orlando and Raleigh in the South. San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle and Riverside-San Bernardino all made the top 10 from outside the South.
Magna hiring 100 in Tennessee
Automotive supplier Magna Seating is recruiting 100 new full-time employees to join its production line in Spring Hill.
Braidy Industries breaks ground on East Kentucky project
An aluminum company that has drawn controversy and questions about its financing and investors has broken ground in Ashland, Ky. Braidy Industries, the developer of the aluminum rolling mill, is expected to spend about $1.3 billion and will provide aluminum for the automotive and aerospace industries. The project will create around 550 jobs and be constructed in phases.
German company breaks ground on $24 million plant in Mooresville, N.C.
Construction has begun on a $24 million automotive-parts plant in Mooresville that’s expected to bring more than 300 jobs to southern Iredell County. Tristone Flowtech USA celebrated its arrival in the Charlotte area with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Canadian manufacturer bringing “jobs of the future” to Phipps Bend, Tenn.
Canada-based RMC Advanced Technologies is opening a new plant in Hawkins County that will also serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters and base for future expansion. The $7 million advanced manufacturing facility will initially employ 54 to manufacture large body parts for big rig trucks.
Novelis breaks ground on Kentucky aluminum plant
Novelis recently broke ground on its $300 million automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility in Guthrie, Ky. The 400,000-square-foot plant will create 125 jobs. Novelis plans to begin producing automotive aluminum at the site in 2020.
Ingevity expands Virginia carbon plant
A company that produces specialty chemicals and carbon materials, Ingevity Corporation, will expand capacity at its plant in Covington, Va. The expansion will meet growing demand for pelletized carbon products, which are primarily used in emission control systems in cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats. Representing an investment of $35-40 million, the project is expected to be operational by the fall of 2019.
Nucor plans another huge expansion at Arkansas plant
Just recently celebrating the completion of its $230 million cold mill addition in Blytheville, Nucor announced plans to build a galvanized steel sheet metal production line at the plant at a cost of $240 million. The company says the two projects are important parts of its plans to expand its share of the automotive steel market.
Nissei Plastics opens San Antonio campus
Japan-based Nissei Plastic Machinery America recently celebrated the opening of its new 115,000-square-foot production facility in San Antonio, Texas. The company invested $21 million in the facility and its injection molding machines. Nissei cited Texas’ tax structure, San Antonio’s geographic location, and the fact that the area has attracted a number of automakers and is in close proximity to automotive manufacturing clusters in the Midwest region. San Antonio also boasts ready access to Mexico, with its own rapidly growing auto industry.
Auto supply opening U.S. HQ in Panama City, Fla.
A company based in Mexico that supplies auto parts to manufacturers worldwide has chosen Bay County to open its first U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation. Air Temp of Mexico, which is located in Merida, Yukatan, expects to initially hire 50 people to fill high-tech manufacturing jobs at an average annual salary of $42,000.
Meritor expands South Carolina manufacturing center
Meritor, a Michigan-based supplier for the commercial vehicle market, is expanding its existing operations in Manning, S.C. The $5.2 million investment is projected to create 31 new jobs in Clarendon County.
