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.
Honda opens $85 million logistics expansion in Alabama
Honda opened its latest expansion, a logistics operation that has added 400,000 square feet to its assembly plant in Lincoln, Ala. The new logistics facility will handle more than 4 million parts that arrive at the plant every day.
New megasite being rolled out in Crittenden County, Ark.
The city of Marion, in Crittenden County, Ark., was a bridesmaid to two Toyota assembly plants over the last 15 years. In 2003, Marion lost the Toyota plant that went to San Antonio and then again in 2007 it lost out to Mississippi for another Toyota plant. Now, Crittenden County and the cities of West Memphis and Marion are rolling out a new 1,830-acre megasite on Interstate 40 near Lehi, Ark. Crittenden County and Entergy Arkansas are working on certifying the site through the Select Site program.
Company expanding in Mississippi
SMW, a company that makes components for the heavy truck, construction and automotive markets, is expanding its plant in Lafayette County, Miss. The $4 million deal will create 25 jobs.
Auto parts supplier expands in Tennessee
U.S. Tsubaki, an auto parts manufacturer, is investing over $35 million to expand its facilities in Portland, Tenn. The company, which will create 70 new jobs, is a supplier of parts to Nissan, Ford, GM and Toyota.
Auto industry would need $7.6 billion bailout to offset tariffs
A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that came out this summer showed that the Trump administration would need to offer the auto industry $7.6 billion in taxpayer-funded aid to counter tariffs in the escalating trade conflict with China and the European Union. The bailout would be similar to the $12 billion in aid President Trump gave U.S. farmers as China, the EU, Mexico and Canada enacted retaliatory tariffs on farm products.
Honda announces another expansion of its Alabama plant
Honda is once again investing in its large assembly plant in Lincoln, Ala. The latest expansion by the automaker is a $54 million investment that will add 50,000 square feet of space at its second line operations. Honda employs more than 4,500 workers at its Alabama plant.
Truck maker Oshkosh plans new East Tennessee facility
Wisconsin-based Oshkosh, a manufacturer of firetrucks, concrete mixers and defense vehicles, announced plans to renovate the 500,000-square-foot former John Deere facility in Jefferson City, Tenn. The project will create 300 jobs. .
Big River Steel expanding Arkansas mill
Big River Steel is investing $1.2 billion in an expansion that will double the capacity of its hot-rolled steel facility in Osceola, Ark. The expansion will facilitate the company’s ability to produce even higher grades of electrical steel, demand for which is expected to increase with continued focus on energy efficiency and the increase in hybrid and electric vehicle sales.
DENSO expands Kentucky facility
DENSO Air Systems Michigan will double its footprint in Christian County, Ky. The company plans to invest more than $3.5 million and create 45 full-time jobs. The expansion will boost production of aluminum HVAC pipes, tubes and hose assemblies for the automotive industry.
Bowling Green Metalforming plans $14 million expansion
Bowling Green Metalforming, a Canadian-owned automotive parts manufacturer, plans its sixth expansion since 2004, a $14.2 million investment set to create 27 new jobs in Warren County, Ky.
Auto supplier to spend $40 million in Alabama expansion
Japan-based Unipres, an automotive supplier specializing in stamping technologies, plans to invest $40 million in an expansion that will create 70 additional jobs at its Alabama production facility. The project will enhance production of parts for Nissan’s luxury mid-size vehicle.
Steel Dynamics to invest more than $230 million In Columbus, Miss.
Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Steel Dynamics announced plans to invest $230 million to upgrade its northeast Mississippi steel mill, creating 45 jobs. Steel Dynamics says it has unmet demand for galvanized steel after it shifted some production at the Columbus mill from selling to pipe and tube makers to selling to more lucrative customers, including auto and appliance makers.
