Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that South Korea’s ILJIN, a leading automotive and industrial bearings and chassis manufacturer, is investing nearly $100 million in a new operation in the city of Auburn in eastern Alabama.
The company’s new facility will employ about 160 people and will allow ILJIN to expand into the aluminum forging market.
“ILJIN’s decision to locate its next facility in Auburn is great news for Alabama. Alabama is already the fifth-largest vehicle producer in the U.S. It’s wonderful to see how we are continuing to expand and deepen our automotive supplier base, creating lasting jobs throughout Alabama,” Ivey said.
Founded in Korea in 1973, ILJIN supplies control arms, stabilizer links, ball joints, and other components to major auto manufacturers.
While many of ILJIN’s competitors in the automotive industry have made investments outside of the United States, ILJIN Chairman DS Lee said the company has benefitted from keeping its production in the Southeast.
“We have found the U.S., and in particular the state of Alabama, to be the most productive, the most competitive and the highest yielding of all our recent investments,” Lee said.
ILJIN has long used steel forging in its manufacturing processes. The new Auburn facility will expand its capabilities by producing forged aluminum control arms for several U.S. customers.
ILJIN will establish its new operation in an existing building in Auburn Technology Park North.
“We’re extremely grateful for the trust and investment by ILJIN in our community and the support of and partnership with the state of Alabama. We will continue to support and partner with ILJIN to ensure the company’s success here in Auburn,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.
