Six million dollar investment expands automotive in Enterprise, Ala.
A $6 million investment in the HSAA/HSAU factories in Enterprise will bring over 160 jobs to the Wiregrass area. The HSAU factory serves as a tier one supplier of air conditioning hoses for Chrysler vehicles. The company’s senior manager Garry Jordan said the investment will now allow these parts to be made for Hyundai, Kia and General Motors vehicles. “This is gonna put us on the map because we are gonna do Denso, which is a global parts supplier,“ Jordan said.
Massive Georgia battery factory breaks ground
Korea-based SK Group broke ground recently on its sprawling $1.7 billion factory to supply batteries for electric vehicles. The deal is expected to bring 2,000 jobs to Jackson County, northeast of Atlanta, making it the largest economic development deal in Georgia since Kia Motors opened in West Point a decade ago. The company will initially provide batteries for Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga.
Toyota plant adds 450 jobs in North Alabama
Over 450 new jobs are coming to the Toyota plant in Huntsville. The company just announced two new engine lines for the Huntsville Engine Manufacturing Plant. The added jobs are the largest hiring event in the plant’s history. Toyota and Mazda also are building an auto manufacturing plant just outside Huntsville. That facility in Limestone County is expected to employ up to 4,000 people.
Toyota expanding West Virginia facility with 123 jobs
Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in Putnam County, W.Va., plans to double its hybrid transaxle capacity with a $111 million investment in its West Virginia plant, which includes a building expansion and the addition of the 123 jobs.
Hyundai supplier expanding in Alabama
A Korean company that supplies Hyundai and Kia plants in Alabama and Georgia is planning a multi-million-dollar expansion in Conecuh County, Ala. Guyoung Tech USA is expanding its production line and building a new welding facility in the former Gerber Distribution building in Evergreen. The company plans to hire at least 45 employees over the first three years and reach 90 to 100 employees in five years.
Moody’s cuts automotive industry from stable to negative
Credit rating company Moody’s has cut its outlook for the automotive industry from stable to negative. Moody’s based its outlook on slowing economic growth, potential political issues, such as tariffs, and a better-than-expected end to 2018 in vehicle sales. Moody’s expects global auto sales to grow by just 0.5 percent this year, down from its previous forecast of 1.2 percent growth.
Toyota to invest $749 million and add hundreds of jobs in the South
In the winter quarter, Japanese automaker Toyota said it will invest $749 million in five Southern states and add 600 jobs. The company will increase engine capacity in Alabama, transaxle production in West Virginia, add capacity at its assembly plant in Kentucky, and raise output of aluminum castings in Missouri and Tennessee. Toyota is also building a 4,000-employee plant with Mazda in Huntsville, Ala.
Mercedes-Benz to assemble ultraluxe Maybach SUV at Alabama plant
Mercedes announced in the winter quarter that it will expand its plant in Vance, Ala., to build a luxury SUV under the Maybach brand. At $200,000, the vehicle will be the most expensive passenger car built in the U.S. The company is also in the early stages of a $1 billion upgrade to ready the facility to build its first electric vehicles.
Korean brake manufacturer to open new Georgia facility
Sangsin Technology America, a manufacturer of brakes used by Hyundai and Kia, is opening a new plant in McDonough, Ga. The $20 million project will create 200 jobs.
Ford expanding Louisville Truck Plant
Ford will add capacity of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator at its truck plant in Louisville, Ky. Ford will move 550 workers from its Louisville SUV plant to the truck plant in the deal.
Israeli auto parts supplier expanding in Auburn, Ala.
Arkal Automotive has invested $2.5 million and is adding 25 jobs to expand its Auburn facility. The company supplies plastic parts to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi.
Korean auto supplier setting up shop in Alabama
A Korean supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama plans to open its first U.S. facility in Alabama’s Lee County. Yongsan Automotive USA is investing more than $5.5 million in a manufacturing facility in Opelika. The interior parts manufacturer will create 150 jobs in the deal.
Super ATV to locate in Louisiana
SuperATV will locate a manufacturing and distribution facility in Shreveport, La. The company manufactures aftermarket parts for a variety of all-terrain vehicles. The $4.35 million deal will create 75 jobs.
Toyota Motor Corp. will invest $238 million in its Georgetown, Ky., plant
Toyota is expanding its Kentucky assembly plant and adding the production of the Lexus 300h Hybrid and the RAV4 Hybrid. Both vehicles feature combined gasoline and electric engine power. The project calls for an investment of $238 million. The expansion will not add jobs to the 8,000-employee plant.
