German auto supplier Eissmann Automotive will invest $14.5 million to expand its St. Clair County facility with a 130,000 square-foot building and advanced manufacturing equipment for a new production line, officials said today.
Eissmann, which has expanded its Pell City facility six times since opening a decade ago, will hire 200 additional workers as part of the expansion project. It will also introduce a new manufacturing process that is currently performed only at Eissmann facilities in Slovakia and China.
“We have been very pleased with our experience working with the City of Pell City, the St. Clair County Commission, and Alabama’s Department of Commerce,” said Michal Vozak, managing director of Eissmann Automotive.
“They have been wonderful partners as we continue to invest in Pell City to provide quality service and products to our valued customers.”
Eissmann specializes in car interiors, built-to-print trim components, shifter modules and other parts for automakers that include Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jeep, Tesla, Porsche and Volkswagen. Based in Bad Urach, Germany, the company operates 13 production facilities on three continents.
“Alabama’s superior business climate continues to attract new investment, which creates new jobs and fuels economic growth,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Eissmann has launched several expansion projects in Alabama, and I welcome the company’s decision to add new jobs and introduce new manufacturing technologies with another project in Pell City. Creating good jobs for Alabama citizens will always be my top priority.”
Auto Sector Growth
The project comes amid a powerful growth phase for Alabama’s auto industry, which recorded new investment topping $3 billion in 2015. Much of that came from suppliers planning to open facilities in the state or expanding existing Alabama operations.
Watch a video about auto industry growth in Alabama.
“Eissmann is making another significant investment in its Alabama operation, expanding its Pell City workforce and introducing new technology at its manufacturing facility,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Eissmann is an important player in the state’s growing auto supply chain,” he added.
During the last decade, Eissmann has grown to be the largest industrial employer in St. Clair County. Starting out with 85 employees in its first phase, the company’s Alabama operation has grown to have 650 today, according to the St. Clair County Economic Development Council.
“It is always beneficial to both our community and the company when higher paying jobs with more advanced technology are announced,” said Paul Manning, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. “This is a testament both to the company’s ability to produce a great product and the faith they have in St. Clair County’s workforce.”
Officials in St. Clair County welcomed Eissmann’s expansion plans.
“They have always been a great partner in the community, and this new standalone facility will feature their state of the art technology,” Pell City Mayor Joe Funderburg said. “We are looking forward to their continued success and the new jobs that will soon be available in our city.”
“Eissmann Automotive is a great company who has experienced much growth and success here in St. Clair County,” said Joe Kelly, chairman of the St. Clair Economic Development Council. “We are excited to learn that they are making this new investment in their Pell City facility.”